Wrestling a Serpent
Tsuneyo was a strong wrestler. One day, while he was standing by a marsh, he happened to see a great serpent. After a staring match, the serpent swam to the other side of the marsh. The serpent’s size was so great that its head and tail could sit on opposite sides of the marsh. Tsuneyo allowed the serpent to wrap its tail around his leg. After a great struggle, the serpent’s tail snapped. After experimenting with rope and many men, it was determined that the serpent had the strength of 60 men.
Animals Incorporated
Serpent
Origin
Naito, Hiroshi, and Masahiko Nishino. Legends of Japan. Rutland, Vt: C. E. Tuttle Co, 1972.