The Origin of the Hare

Name: The Origin of the Hare
Author: Basil Hall Chamberlain

The narrative revolves around a hare who is mocked by other animals due to his slow pace. The hare's speed is ridiculed, and he is told that he would be better off if he were as swift as the wind. A group of birds mock him further, saying that even they are faster than him. The hare decides to prove them wrong by racing against a bird. The story highlights the themes of pride, arrogance, and the consequences of underestimating others.

By Basil Hall Chamberlain · First published 1902 · Genre: Folklore, Children's Literature, Fantasy · 220 words

First lines

Suddenly there was a large house on the top of a mountain, wherein were six people beautifully arrayed, but constantly quarrelling. Whence they came was unknown. Thereupon Okikurumi came and said: "Oh! you bad hares! you wicked hares! who does not know your origin? The children in the sky were pelting each other with snowballs, and the snowballs fell into the world of men. As it would be a pity to waste anything that falls from the sky, the snowballs were turned into hares, and those hares are you. You, who dwell in this world, which belongs to me, should not quarrel. What is it that you are making such a noise about?"

What this Textopian page supports

The Origin of the Hare is listed on Textopian as a fable by Basil Hall Chamberlain, dated 1902 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Fable
Author: Basil Hall Chamberlain
Date: 1902 CE
Language: English
Genres: Folklore, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Cultural Studies
Length: 220 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Work identity for The Origin of the Hare by Basil Hall Chamberlain
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Origin of the Hare?
How does this fable by Basil Hall Chamberlain fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Folklore first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Folklore — The book is a retelling of a classic Japanese folktale, situating it in the folklore genre
Children's Literature — The light-hearted and whimsical nature of the tale make it suitable for children, placing it in the genre of children's literature.
Fantasy — The book involves mythical creatures and other supernatural elements, which is characteristic of the fantasy genre.
Cultural Studies — The book provides insight into Japanese culture and mythology, contributing to its cultural studies genre.