Sunday, April 09, 2006

Namazu, the Great Catfish

How many times have you ridden by the Great Namazu just east of Chico?

In Japanese earthquake legend (so I hear) a great catfish, or namazu, lies curled up under the sea, with the islands of Japan resting on his back. A demigod, or daimyojin, holds a heavy stone over his head to keep him from moving. Once in a while, though, the daimyojin is distracted, the namazu moves, and the Earth trembles.

Personally, I just like to say hello to him each time we pass each other. I don't want him bringing any earthquakes up Chico way.

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