Run, Melos! facts for kids
"Run, Melos!" (走れメロス, Hashire Merosu) is a famous Japanese short story. It was written by Osamu Dazai and published in 1940. This story is a classic and is often read in Japanese schools.
The story is a new version of an old tale. It comes from a poem by Friedrich Schiller called Die Bürgschaft. That poem was based on an ancient Greek legend. The main idea of "Run, Melos!" is strong and true friendship. The hero, Melos, faces many challenges. But he tries his best to save his friend's life. In the end, his hard work pays off.
The Story of Melos
Melos is a young shepherd who believes in fairness. He lives in a land ruled by King Dionysius. This king is a tyrant (a cruel ruler). He doesn't trust people and lives alone. Because of this, he has killed many people, even his own family.
One day, Melos hears about the King's actions. He becomes very angry. Melos decides to try and kill the King. He sneaks into the castle with a knife. But he is caught and arrested. Melos bravely admits his plan to the King. He asks the King to wait three days before executing him. Melos wants to go home to arrange his younger sister's wedding.
To promise he will return, Melos offers his friend Selinuntius. Selinuntius will be held hostage. If Melos does not come back in time, Selinuntius will be executed instead. The King agrees to Melos's terms. He even offers Melos a full pardon if he returns a little late. But Melos insists he doesn't want to save his own life. Selinuntius quickly agrees to be the hostage.
Back in his hometown, Melos convinces his sister to marry quickly. He does not tell her why. While the wedding party is happening, Melos rests. He oversleeps and only starts his journey back the next morning.
On his way, Melos faces many problems. A bridge is broken because of a flooded river. Bandits attack him. Running and all these troubles make him very tired. He feels like giving up. He almost stops caring about his friend's fate. But then he thinks about what will happen. He remembers his friend's life and how the King will think he was right to not trust people.
Melos drinks water from a clear spring. He feels strong again and rushes off. As he runs back to the city, an acquaintance tries to stop him. The person says Melos is already too late. But Melos keeps going.
At sunset, Melos finally reaches the city. He arrives just in time to save Selinuntius. His friend is about to be publicly executed. Melos asks Selinuntius to hit him for almost failing. Selinuntius asks Melos to do the same. He doubted Melos would return while he was held captive. The King sees their strong friendship. The crowd is also moved. The King decides to let Melos go free.
Tributes to the Story
"Run, Melos!" is a very popular story. It has inspired many things:
- In Osamu Dazai's hometown, there is a special train. It is nicknamed "Hashire Merosu." The Tsugaru Railway Company owns it.
- A song called "Melos no Yō ni ~Lonely Way~" is the opening theme for an anime series. It is from Blue Comet SPT Layzner. The song's title and lyrics refer to the story.
- The band The Blue Hearts has a song called "Happy Birthday". One line in it says, "Run, Melos, in the rain."
- The AKB48 song "Melos no Michi" (Melos's Road) also mentions the story.
- Kashiwa Daisuke wrote a song called "Write Once, Run Melos." It is music based on the short story.
- An episode of the anime "Prince of Tennis" is called "Run, Momo!" This is a tribute to "Run, Melos!".
- The 6th episode of the anime "Tsuki ga Kirei" is titled "Run, Melos!" as well.
- In the song "Bōkyaku" by Hikaru Utada, the line "Hashire Melos" appears.
- The band Wednesday Campanella has a song simply called "Melos."
- In the anime Tweeny Witches, the main character, Arusu, faces a similar situation. She even talks about the "Run, Melos!" story.
Different Versions of the Story
"Run, Melos!" has been made into many different types of shows and books:
- Hashire Merosu was a TV drama in 1955.
- Akai tori no kokoro: Nihon meisaku douwa shirīzu Hashire Merosu was an anime in 1979.
- Hashire Melos was another anime in 1981.
- There was an anime movie called Hashire Melos! in 1992.
- Terebi ehon Hashire Merosu was a reading of the story by Tarō Yamamoto in 2006.
- Aoi Bungaku had episodes 9 and 10 about the story in 2009.
- Bungo and Alchemist -Gears of Judgment had episode 1 about it in 2020.
- The story was translated into English in a book called Run, Melos! and Other Stories. It was translated by Ralph F. McCarthy in 1988.
See also
In Spanish: Hashire Melos para niños
