Discussion- Ainu Actions
According to the Ainu, life after death depends on the qualities that an individual displays in the actions of this life. What are those qualities? How do they compare with other cultures? With our present day view of society? How do the qualities represented in a myth such as this one improve and preserve society? What is the significance of the spirits of the dead flying to the west or the east?
Instructions:
In examining Kotan Utunnai you may wish to take note of several features of its composition:
Is the fact that this story is told in the 1st person significant? How does blood kinship and/or nationality affect bonds of loyalty? How does the ambiguity of the characters' status as mortal or immortal impact their actions? How does the ambiguity of the characters' status as good or evil impact your understanding?