The translation and recitation of One Tailypo
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Abstract
The telling of stories is among the oldest art forms to exist. Predating even the earliest forms of writing, oral storytelling is still the foundation of many cultures. While its prominence has declined in modern western culture, rich oral traditions can still be found in regions throughout the United States. Appalachian culture is one such example, and few Appalachian folktales can match the popularity of the Tailypo. The vivid imagery of the beast’s glowing eyes and the haunting solitude of life in the mountains have made it a popular ghost story. In Indiana, one is likely to hear it told on Halloween. While the geographical region the tale originates in and the holiday on which one is likely to hear it give it a distinctly American flavor, fears of the unknown, solitude, and starvation pervade most, if not all, cultures. Thus, other cultures can easily relate to the themes of the story. This work is a means to share the tale of the Tailypo with another culture whose appreciation of folklore rivals that of Appalachia: Japan.