Yes, Sutemaru unequivocally loves Kaguya. Their profound mutual affection is explicitly stated in the narrative.
Sutemaru's Affection for Princess Kaguya
When Kaguya returns to her home village and reunites with Sutemaru, the depth of their relationship becomes clear. The story explicitly states that "The two profess their love," confirming a strong, reciprocal emotional bond between them. This direct declaration leaves no doubt about Sutemaru's profound feelings for Kaguya. Their shared joy was so immense that, in a moment of pure bliss, they flew over the countryside together, a testament to their extraordinary connection, before their encounter with the Moon.
The Significance of Their Love in the Narrative
The love between Sutemaru and Kaguya is a pivotal element in The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (also known as The Tale of Princess Kaguya), a classic Japanese folktale. Their bond represents Kaguya's deep-seated earthly ties and her yearning for a simple, human life.
- Mutual Affection: The explicit profession of love highlights a sincere and reciprocal emotional connection that is central to their story.
- Earthly Connection: Sutemaru symbolizes Kaguya's human past and her desire to remain on Earth, contrasting sharply with her celestial origins and destiny.
- Shared Joy: Their ability to fly together out of sheer happiness illustrates the extraordinary nature of their bond and the intense joy they found in each other's presence.
This powerful emotional connection underscores Kaguya's internal conflict between her love for humanity and her unavoidable return to the Moon.
Understanding The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter
The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter is one of Japan's oldest and most beloved narratives. It tells the story of a mysterious girl, Kaguya-hime, found inside a shining bamboo stalk. As she grows, her unparalleled beauty attracts numerous suitors, yet her heart remains tethered to her earthly past and, significantly, to Sutemaru.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Considered one of the earliest examples of Japanese narrative literature. |
| Protagonist | Kaguya-hime, a princess from the Moon. |
| Key Theme | The transient nature of life, the beauty of the world, and the sorrow of separation. |
| Sutemaru's Role | Represents Kaguya's human love and her connection to her life on Earth. |
To delve deeper into this enchanting story, you can explore resources like Wikipedia's entry on The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.
