The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter

The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter is a 10th century Japanese folk tale.

Spoiler warning: Plot or ending details follow.

It details the exploits of five princes to win the hand of the mysterious Kaguya-hime, princess of the Young Bamboo. The princess is reluctant to marry, so she concocts impossible tasks for the princes to accomplish before they can win her. Unlike in a typical western folk tale, all five princes fail for various reasons. The emperor then tries to win her hand but is also unsuccessful (although he is not subjected to the impossible trials that thwart the princes; he is simply refused). Ultimately it is revealed that the princess is not of this world and must return to her people, leaving her earthly foster parents and the still-pining emperor in tears.