The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant: Volume I (Magical Toads and Monstrous Serpents)

Originally crafted in 1800s Edo period Japan, this precursor to manga is an honored fantasy adventure that has inspired readers for generations. Immerse yourself in this captivating story of bravery, magic, and rivalry—fully translated into English for the first time.

Across the feudal lands, Jiraiya is renowned as both a gallant hero and infamous rogue. Follow this lionhearted master of toad magic as he faces cunning bandits, vengeful spirits, monstrous serpents, and other formidable foes.

Volume 1 of this tale unfolds with Jiraiya’s rise to prominence... a fated encounter with the mighty Tsunade, master of slug magic... and the emergent rivalry with the sinister Orochimaru, master of snake magic. As their paths converge, they become locked in an epic clash, forming a legendary three-way deadlock.

Mizugaki Egao (1749 1846) was the first writer of the popular illustrated series "Jiraiya Goketsu Monogatari" which was published from 1839 to 1868.

Keisai Eisen (1790-1848), writing under the name Ippitsuan, was a prominent ukiyo-e artist and became the second writer of the "Jiraiya Goketsu Monogatari" series.

Andreas Kronborg Danielsen is a Danish translator with a deep passion for Japanese culture and folklore. Holding a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Japanology from the University of Aarhus, Andreas has also studied extensively in Japan at Sophia University in Tokyo, Kobe University, and Tokai University in Kanagawa. Specializing in Edo period culture, he brings a nuanced understanding of Japan's rich literary traditions to his work.The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant is Andreas' first book in English, where he combines his academic expertise with a love for storytelling, offering readers a fresh and engaging interpretation of this classic Edo-period adventure.