Comparison of Folklore Functions in the Momotaro and Onimomotaro Tales

Abstract

This study is purpose to reveal the comparison of folklore functions found in the
tales of Momotaro and Onimomotaro. Momotaro as a famous oral folklore in Japan is
unknown to the author (anonymous). On the contrary, Onimomotaro which is a
continuation of the story, written by Ozaki Kouyou in 1981 was published in the Yonen
Bungaku magazine.
Folklore function according to Bascom is used to analyze both tales. Then the
fo
lklore function of the two tales is compared to see differences and similarities. The
fu
nction of folklore according to Bascom is (1) as a projective system, namely as a
means of reflecting the imagination of a collection; (2) as a validating culture; (3) as a
pedagogical device; (4) as a tool for coercion and supervision so that the norms of
society are always obeyed by their collective members (Bascom at Danandjaja, 1984).
This research is a qualitative research and uses descriptive methods. The study
was conducted with a literature study. The steps in this research are. 1. Read and
understand the contents of the Momotaro and Onimomotaro tales to better understand
the storyline of the tale. 2. Understanding secondary data relating to the function of
fo
lklore according to William R. Bascom so that it is easy to analyze the tale of
Mo
motaro and Onimomotaro. 3. Classifying each folklore function according to
Bascom based on the content of the story from the tale Momotaro and Onimomotaro. 4.
Analyzing data collected. 5. Comparing the folklore function found in the two tales. 6.
Taking conclusions from data that has been analyzed.
The results of this study indicate, the Momotaro and Onimomotaro tales have
the four functions of folklore. The difference in the function as a projective system,
Mo
motaro has a hidden desire for the common good and that desire is achieved, while
in Onimomotaro the hidden desire for personal gain is not achieved. There is also as a
tool for coercion and supervision so that the norms of society are always obeyed by
their collective members, in Momotaro there are myths of exorcism, while in
Onimomotaro there is a myth of pilgrimage to the temple to ask for have a child. The
similarity in the function as a projective system, where the characters have the same in
the presence of hidden desires. In the function as a validating culture, the characterss
have the same ratification of the principle of bushido and reciprocation. In the function
as a pedagogical device, there are many similarities of teaching for children. In the
fu
nction as a tool for coercion and supervision so that the norms of society are always
obeyed by their collective members, namely the characters have in common to believe
in the myth of good luck charms and use animals as symbols of the opposite direction of
the wind to be able to fight the devil. Keywords: tale, folklore functions, comparison