How Hulbi Lost His Left Ear?

Long Ago in Japan

Long ago, in Japan, minstrels sang ballads recounting the glorious deeds of Samurai warriors. One such ballad celebrated the brave acts of a Samurai warrior who fought valiantly on the open seas. When he died, his wife, in her grief, jumped into the sea and took her own life.

The Journey of Hulbi

Hulbi was a travelling singer whose voice resonated with great gusto. Despite his blindness, he wandered from place to place, often spending nights in Buddhist monasteries before setting out again at dawn. The monks welcomed his presence and graciously allowed him to use their humble abodes.

A Call from the King

One evening, Hulbi sat on the verandah, singing the ballad of the Samurai of the sea. He was interrupted by a voice that announced, “Hulbi, our king has heard of your talent. He wishes to hear you sing. I am commanded to bring you to him.” Without hesitation, Hulbi agreed, after all, the king’s word was law. Guided by the stranger, he traversed fields and dunes until they reached the seashore.

The Performance

Hulbi sensed he was near the king’s court, feeling the rustling of silk and smelling sweet fragrances in the air. Once seated high above, he was asked to sing. As he cleared his throat and began, he poured every ounce of emotion into his performance. When he reached the part of the ballad that described the Samurai’s death, he heard the distinct sobbing of a woman. He remained unaware that it was the wife of the fallen warrior lamenting his loss.

A New Opportunity

After his performance, Hulbi was guided back to the monastery by unseen hands. The stranger who had led him earlier remarked, “If you come to the court every day to sing your ballads, the king will reward you handsomely.” Enthralled by the prospect, Hulbi agreed and began visiting the court daily, enchanting the courtiers with his heartfelt songs.

The Chief Monk’s Concern

Concerned by his nightly absences, the Chief Monk of the monastery ordered two monks to watch Hulbi’s movements and report back. That night, the guards observed Hulbi rise at midnight and venture into the darkness. To their astonishment, he entered a cemetery, where he sat in front of a massive boulder and began to sing.

Confronting the Ghosts

The guards quickly captured Hulbi and dragged him back to the monastery. When questioned, he explained that he had gone to the king’s court to sing. The Rector scolded him, saying, “Oh, foolish man! Do you not realize that the ghosts are luring you to the cemetery to hear you sing? I fear harm may come to you. I will write spells on your body to protect you, but whatever you do, do not respond to their inquiries.”

The Neglected Spell

After writing powerful spells all over Hulbi’s body, the Rector hurriedly neglected to mark his left ear. The following night, the ghost returned but could not touch Hulbi due to the protective spells. Noticing the unmarked left ear, the ghost seized it with great force, detaching Hulbi’s ear in an agonizing instant. Although the pain was unbearable, he remembered the Rector’s warning and clamped his mouth shut to prevent any whimper from escaping.

Freedom from Haunting

The ghost melted away into the night with the severed ear, but Hulbi was forever freed from the unwanted attention of the spirits. Despite his suffering, he emerged victorious, protected by the strength of his voice and resolve.