My Lord Bag of Rice: A Japanese Folktale

"He had only gone a few steps when he heard some one calling him from behind. On turning back he was much surprised to see that the monster dragon had entirely disappeared and in its place was a strange-looking man, who was bowing most ceremoniously to the ground. His red hair streamed over his shoulders and was surmounted by a crown in the shape of a dragon's head, and his sea-green dress was patterned with shells. Hidesato knew at once that this was no ordinary mortal and he wondered much at the strange occurrence." What element of a folktale does this excerpt represent?

• Description of everyday life.

• A character who plays a trick.

• A lesson about human behavior.

• A detail about how a tradition began.

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.K.5

"The Dragon King and his family were all very sorry to have him leave so soon, but since he would go they begged him to accept a few small presents (so they said) in token of their gratitude to him for delivering them forever from their horrible enemy the centipede." Which characteristic of a folktale is contained in this excerpt?

• A lesson about human behavior.

• A scene from everyday life.

• A character playing a trick.

• A conflict being resolved.

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.K.5

"Hidesato felt very sorry for the Dragon King on hearing his story, and readily promised to do what he could to help him. The warrior asked where the centipede lived, so that he might attack the creature at once." What lesson does this excerpt reflect?

• Helping others is always worth the risk.

• It is important to be generous with others.

• A person with enemies should not be trusted.

• Some people cannot help themselves.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

"Long, long ago there lived in Japan a brave warrior known to all as Tawara Toda, or "My Lord Bag of Rice." His true name was Fujiwara Hidesato, and there is a very interesting story of how he came to change his name.

One day he sallied forth in search of adventures, for he had the nature of a warrior and could not bear to be idle. So he buckled on his two swords, took his huge bow, much taller than himself, in his hand, and slinging his quiver on his back started out." Which element of heritage is preserved by this excerpt?

• Details about life in Japan long ago.

• Details about a specific setting.

• Details about an historical character.

• Details about warrior life in ancient Japan.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.9

CCSS.RL.4.9

"Another feast was prepared, more sumptuous than the first. All kinds of fish, prepared in every imaginable way, raw, stewed, boiled and roasted, served on coral trays and crystal dishes, were put before him, and the wine was the best that Hidesato had ever tasted in his life." Which element of heritage is preserved by this excerpt?

• Details about a traditional food.

• Details about a real person.

• Details about a historical event.

• Details about a religious ceremony.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.9

CCSS.RL.4.9

Which excerpt from “My Lord Bag of Rice” best reflects the historical fact that Hidesato was a brave warrior?

• At first Hidesato could not help feeling alarmed at the sight of this horrible reptile lying in his path.

• On turning back he was much surprised to see that the monster dragon had entirely disappeared.

• Hidesato showed not the least sign of fear. He tried to calm the Dragon King. “Don't be afraid. I shall surely kill the centipede.”

• The Dragon King did as he was bid, and the warrior noticed that he had only three arrows left in his quiver.

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.3.2

CCSS.RL.K.5

Which excerpt from “My Lord Bag of Rice” best reflects the historical fact that Hidesato was a highly respected leader?

• One day he sallied forth in search of adventures, for he had the nature of a warrior and could not bear to be idle.

• On turning back he was much surprised to see that the monster dragon had entirely disappeared and in its place was a strange-looking man.

• Hidesato felt very sorry for the Dragon King on hearing his story, and readily promised to do what he could to help him.

• The whole family came and bowed down before the warrior, calling him their preserver and the bravest warrior in all Japan.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.9

CCSS.RL.7.9

"At last the dreadful night was over. Day dawned beautiful and clear. The centipede was gone from the mountain." What historical fact is reflected in this excerpt?

• Hidesato brought peace to Japan by defeating a rebel force.

• Hidesato was appointed a general by Japan’s emperor.

• Hidesato and his forces overthrew the government of Japan.

• Hidesato was given many gifts for helping the people of Japan.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.9

CCSS.RL.7.9