This paper renders the ancient folktale ‘Ama’ (Woman Diver) into English, investigates its origins, and interprets its timeless significance. From a prehistoric oral tradition, it evolved into a temple chronicle and a Noh play. The paper includes a summary in Japanese, and all the references are in Japanese. With a moving story and vivid symbolism, the legend of the woman diver combines a prehistoric little tradition with the great tradition of Buddhism, going beyond the Lotus Sutra to unprecedented implications about women and Buddhahood.