Legends and Tales of Ancient Japan in Translations by Vera Markova

The book is a collection of unique tales and legends of Ancient Japan. In them, fearsome mikados and millennia-old fox shapeshifters come to life, while from the summit of the myth-enshrouded Mount Fuji, beautiful maidens rise into the sky. The translation of these ancient stories into Russian was performed by the renowned researcher of Japanese literature Vera Nikolaevna Markova (1907–1995). The texts are adorned with colorful illustrations by the talented Russian artist Alexandra Olegovna Ponomareva (1984).

Japanese folklore astounds with its diversity. It features astonishing creatures. Ancient legends and whimsical tales tell of all-powerful gods, enchanting heavenly fairies, winged tengu, and mischievous spirits. This is how the people who inhabited this wondrous land many centuries ago envisioned the world. At the same time, Japanese traditions also encompass unique traditional holidays, such as Setsubun, the festival of the last day of winter, or Bon, the festival of honoring the deceased. Myths reflect ancient rituals, the way of life, and beliefs of many generations of the Japanese people. This edition collects more than one hundred and fifty unique legends and tales of Ancient Japan. Filled with original beauty, sometimes romantic and at times frightening, they unveil human vices and teach one to look into the very essence of things. Proud samurais resolve disputes, temple students compose tanka, elegant palaces harbor magical secrets, and otherworldly beings with smooth spheres instead of faces roam the villages. The wonderful translation of these tales and legends by Vera Markova helps the reader touch upon the culture of ancient Japan.

Vera Nikolaevna Markova (1907–1995) — a Russian poetess, translator, researcher of Japanese literature, and an outstanding philologist specializing in Japan. Vera Nikolaevna was born in Minsk to an engineer's family. In 1931, she graduated from the Japanese department of the Eastern Faculty of Leningrad University, and after the Great Patriotic War, she moved to Moscow. Markova predominantly translated Japanese texts: works from the Middle Ages, poems by Saigyo, novellas by Akutagawa Ryunosuke, and many other literary masterpieces. Her translations were so good that they brought Vera Nikolaevna wide recognition and awakened interest in Japanese culture among Soviet writers and composers. In 1993, Vera Markova received the Order of the Sacred Treasure — awarded by the Japanese government to individuals who have rendered exceptional services to Japan.

Detailed color illustrations for the tales and legends in this collection were created by Russian artist Alexandra Olegovna Ponomareva. Alexandra Olegovna was born in Moscow in 1984. She graduated from the Moscow State University of Printing and soon became a member of the Moscow Union of Artists. Ponomareva collaborates with many publishing houses. Her illustrations adorn books and magazines. The artist's works are part of museum collections and private collections.