Momotaro
by Nicholas
Stories like Momotaro were told by the village elder. In ancient Japan, the momo, or peach, was believed to have a mysterious power for bringing happiness to people. Taro meant ''first son'' in old Japan, and boys were named according to the order of their birth. Momotaro's sword is fairly short and is worn blade downward, unlike those of the later Samurai. The cloth tied around his head, for sweat or blood, means that he is willing to work hard and to defeat the Oni. Momotaro is shown carrying a folding war fan, called a gunsen. The gunsen had nine ribs made of iron. On one side is the sun and on the other side are stars.
Who did Momotaro fight?