The Legend of the Lady of Kunnepet

Japan Ainu Index Previous Next XI.—WHY THERE ARE SNAKES IN AINU-LAND, AND WHY THEY SWALLOW FROGS. The following is a tale of ancient times:— The snake said, "I cannot stay in this country for there is no food; I will, therefore, migrate to a foreign land." Thereupon the frog replied:— "There is no necessity for you to go away." Upon this the snake asked, "Why do you say so?" The frog answered: "If in staying in this country you find you cannot obtain sufficient food, you will, if you swallow one of my legs, be fully satisfied; p. 226 there is therefore no necessity for you to go away." And so the snake did not migrate but stayed in the land; and now, whenever it sees a frog it always has a great desire to swallow it."