The old woman cried out and fell back. The old man rushed in, but it was too late. The crane transformed back into the girl one last time. She looked at them with sad, gentle eyes.
Delighted, they agreed.
Feeling great pity, the old man carefully untied the knots. The crane, now free, let out a joyful cry, spread its wide wings, and soared into the snowy sky. The old man continued home, thinking nothing more of it. tsuru no ongaeshi story
There was no girl. In the lamplight stood a slender white crane, plucking its own feathers and weaving them into the loom. The beautiful cloth was made from its own body. The crane’s legs were bare and bleeding; its once-glorious wings were thinning and raw. It was the same crane her husband had saved. The old woman cried out and fell back
At that moment, the crane turned and saw the old woman’s eye at the hole. A single tear rolled down its beak. She looked at them with sad, gentle eyes
The old woman took her inside, gave her warm broth, and offered her a place by the fire. The girl was so polite and graceful that the old couple grew fond of her instantly. When she learned they had no children of their own, she asked, “If you will have me, let me stay and be your daughter.”