Urashima, Urashima-Taro, in Japanese mythology, a mythical hero who visited the palace of the sea king. One day, Urashima saved a turtle, and as a sign of gratitude, she invited him to visit the domain of the ruler of the seas. There Urashima was met by the daughter of the sea king Oto-hime and showed him palaces decorated with precious stones and a garden, on the eastern side of which spring reigned, on the southern side - summer, on the western side - autumn, and on the northern side - winter. Captivated by the princess, the young man did not notice how time flew, but one day, remembering his home and his father and mother, he became sad and decided to return to earth. As a parting gift, Oto-hime gave him a box trimmed with jasper with instructions never to open it. When Urashima returned to his home, he could not find out anything. Strangers met him at home and told the unfortunate man that a certain Urashima lived here about 700 years ago. In despair, the young man came to the seashore, where he remembered the box. Having opened the lid, he turned into a decrepit old man and died.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru