Home > Asia > Japan > Related Images
O Tokoyo and Sacrifice
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
O Tokoyo and Sacrifice
O Tokoyo sees a virgin about to be sacrificed to a sea- monster : and since she is herself desperate she offers to take the girls place (picture one of two)
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 624777
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10067174
Desperate Monster Offers Sacrifice Sacrificed Sees Virgin Myth
EDITORS COMMENTS
In the ancient lands of Japan, during the Heian period (794-1185 AD), a haunting tale of sacrifice and selflessness unfolded along the shores of the Pacific Ocean. This poignant moment, captured in a photograph from Mary Evans Picture Library, depicts the legendary figure of O Tokoyo (also known as Toko no Mae) offering to take the place of a young virgin about to be sacrificed to a monstrous sea creature. The image, set against the backdrop of a tranquil yet ominous seascape, portrays O Tokoyo with a determined expression, her long, flowing robes billowing in the wind as she steps forward to save the innocent girl. The virgin, dressed in traditional Heian attire, looks on in shock and gratitude, her eyes wide with fear and relief. The legend of O Tokoyo and the sea monster originated from the Kojiki, an ancient Japanese collection of myths and folklore. According to the tale, a monstrous sea creature was terrorizing the coastal villages, demanding a virgin sacrifice to appease its hunger. Desperate to save her own daughter, the village chief offered up the youngest girl in the community, but when O Tokoyo heard of the impending sacrifice, she could not bear to stand idly by. With a heart full of courage and compassion, O Tokoyo volunteered to take the girl's place, stepping into the water to confront the sea monster. As the legend goes, she managed to outwit the creature, using her quick thinking and cunning to save herself and the village. This heroic act of self-sacrifice solidified O Tokoyo's place in Japanese mythology as a symbol of bravery and love, a beacon of hope in the face of adversity. This powerful image, taken in 1908, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of the human spirit and the strength that lies within each of us to make a difference in the world, even in the most desperate of circumstances.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
