The Grass-Cutting Sword

The Grass-Cutting Sword is a novella by Catherynne M. Valente. It was published by Prime Books in 2006.

The Grass-Cutting Sword
Cover of The Grass-Cutting Sword, first edition
AuthorCatherynne M. Valente
LanguageEnglish
GenrePostmodern novella
PublisherPrime Books
Publication date
December 1, 2006
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePaperback
Pages127 pp
ISBN0-8095-6230-8
OCLC71827154

Plot summary

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Susanoo slaying the Yamata no Orochi, by Toyohara Chikanobu

The tale is a postmodern interpretation of the Japanese folk-tale of Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi ("Heaven's Cloud-Gathering Sword"), which is taken from the collection of folk-lore in the Kojiki. The action shifts between the journey of the storm-god Susanoo who has been banished to earth in human form by his sister, the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, as he attempts to slay the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi. Valente also portrays the serpent's side of the story with a twist; the tale told by Orochi is intercut or added to by the seven maidens who have been sacrificed to the monster.[1]

References

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  1. ^ Catherynne M. Valente: The Grass-Cutting Sword. [1]. Retrieved 2008-12-19.