Strategy for Representing Animals in Zeami’s Noh Plays

Abstract

Gods and animals are closely related. Some animals are the servants of the gods, while others are the vehicles of the gods. This research aims at studying a strategy for representing animals in seven of Zeami’s Noh plays that feature gods as the main characters: Ukon, Oimatsu, Shiga, Takasago, Fujisan, Houjougawa, and Yumiyawata. The research found that horses, turtles, insects, fish, and birds (such as cranes, pigeons, and wild geese) were found in the Noh plays. The animals contributed to the portrayal of the main characters and the scenes in the Noh plays. The strategy for representing animals were divided into four forms: symbol, simile, personification, and description. The animals used as the symbol were cranes and turtles. Those used as the simile were cranes, wild geese, and birds (Common Noun without specific type). Those used as the personification was insects. Whereas the animals featured in the description included pigeons, uguisu, birds, horses, and fish.