From the depths of the misty forest, Mount Haku stands tall, watching over all creatures, big and small.
By the time the storm had passed, the Golden Mouse had already emerged from yet another dive into the lake, tricked by the still waters reflecting the mountain he so desperately longed to reach.
"Small in size, big in bravery," repeated the mouse like a mantra as he jumped. But this time, when he grasped for air, something felt different. He felt colder and smoother. As he glided to the shore and looked back into the lake, he no longer saw the reflection of a mouse but a snake.
He spent a few days getting used to this new reality, sliding awkwardly through the grass and feeling the quiet power of going from prey to predator in one single jump. It was time to leave the old self behind and stop being fooled by water mirrors.
But it was not as simple as he thought: true change can't be achieved in one dip. Frustration washed over the snake as the scales started feeling tight, itchy, and uncomfortable. But he instinctively knew he was shedding the heavy skin of the past. After all, his new nature left no space for doubt.
No longer restless, the snake whispers to himself: "Small in size, big in wisdom." Nature teaches that there's no transformation without releasing the things we’ve outgrown. This is just our first lesson.
The Snake Sheds Its Skin is the theme of the second edition of THU Storytelling 2025, taking place in Kaga City, September 17-20.
Find out more and get your ticket here.
