The Rouken (Old Dog) Shrine Legend
‘Story of Shiro’
Nambu version

The “Rouken Shrine Legend” of the Kuzuhara community has been passed down from generation to generation among residents in this area.  It is the story of a loyal dog, and it also reflects the disputes over the boundaries.  It goes as follows:

Matagi Sataroku, a resident of Kusaki in Nambu-han, was a hunter licensed by Daizendayuu Nobunao, the Lord of Nambu.  Once, while in pursuit of his prey, Sataroku forgot to take his license along when he accidently trespassed into the other han’s territory.  He was captured and put into prison.  ‘Shiro’, his canine hunting companion, could not comprehend what was happening.  He came to his owner and whimpered to him on many occasions while the prison guard was away.  After long and patient communication between master and dog, ‘Shiro’ finally understood that his master was in deep trouble.  On an empty stomach and very hungry, he crossed the mountains and fields and hurried back home.  Realizing that the license had been forgotten Sataroku’s wife sent it with ‘Shiro’ as soon as he had been fed.  Unfortunately, by the time ‘Shiro’ made it back to the prison at dusk, it was too late.  Sataroku had already been executed.

Sensing his master’s death, ‘Shiro’ climbed to the top of the hill at the back of the community and howled plaintively both day and night.  From that day, Kuzuhura experienced a series of ill omens and epidemics.  Afraid of further disasters, the villagers welcomed Sataroku’s wife and ‘Shiro’ to the village.  The Rouken Shrine, sacred to Shiro’s spirit, was erected after his death.