Story summary - Why Bears are Hunted
The Ainu often hunted bears. On such occasions (=if) a large bear was shot, the Ainu hunter brought the bear's head and fur (or soul) back to the
village (kotan) for everyone to send off. The ceremony consisted of
storytelling, drinking and dancing. Everyone loved the festivities,
especially the bear, but the bear would always return to the gods (kamui)
before the entertainment ended. That way, the bear always wanted very
much to return to the kotan.
send off = say goodbye
questions to consider
The bear searches for a "good Ainu hunter". What would happen if he was shot by just any ordinary man?
What role did the ceremony play in the moral life of the village?
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