One-inch boy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The one-inch boy (一寸法師 issun-bōshi) is the subject of a fairy tale from Japan. The story has been told in various forms around the world.
The story is about an old woman and man that live alone. The old woman wishes to have a child, despite her old age, and wishes that she could have a child, even if he is only one inch tall. Soon after, the old woman's wish is granted. The child, despite being incredibly short, is treated well by his parents. One day, the boy realizes he will never grow taller than one inch, so he goes on a trip to the city. There, he petitions for a job with the government in the city and meets an attractive princess. He is scorned for his height, but nevertheless given the job of accompanying the princess. While they travel together, they are suddenly attacked by a demon. The boy defeats the demon using a needle, and the demon drops the Mallet of Luck. As a reward for his bravery, the princess uses the power of the mallet to grow him to full size.
[edit] Trivia
- Gougou Sentai Boukenger has an episode (Task 21: The Mallet of Luck) in which the hammer is a Precious.
- In the video game Ōkami, the character Issun is based on the one-inch boy. The Mallet of Luck also appears in the game, although it is used to shrink the protagonist to Issun's size, rather than the other way around.
- In the video game Secret of Mana, there is a hammer called the "Midge Mallet" which grows and shrinks the user.
- In the Final Fantasy series, the "Mini" status ailment can be cured using a "Mallet".
