From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of The Tale of Genji characters
List of The Tale of Genji characters
Murakami, Sugawara no Michizane, Minamoto no
Takaakira or Fujiwara no Korechika.[1]
Notes Independently of Murasaki Shikibu’s sources of
inspiration, Hikaru Genji cannot be simply reduced
A Note on Heian names: The characters of The Tale of to being a mere fictional reflection of a real
Genji do not possess the equivalent of what we now call historical figure.In the tale, Genji occupies center
proper birth names. Instead they are assigned sobriquets stage from chapters one to forty-one and the
derived from poetic exchanges (ex. Murasaki takes her narrative focuses on his amorous exploits and
name from a poem by Genji), from the particular court political successes. Although demoted to commoner
positions they occupy (in the Tyler translation, charac- status (and forced to take the name of Minamoto),
ters are often referred to by such terms as His Highness Genji rises in rank to the position of Honorary
of War, Her Majesty the Empress, His Grace, the Palace Retired Emperor and lives to see his children
Minister and so on), from their geographical location (ex. becoming Emperor, Empress and Minister,
Lady Akashi who lived on the Akashi coast before meet- respectively. In the realm of amorous relationships,
ing Genji), or from the name of their residence (ex. Lady the narrative follows Genji from his adventurous
Rokujō, whose mansion is on the Sixth Avenue, rokujō, or youth, a time in which he engages in multiple
Fujitsubo, literally wisteria pavilion, the part of the Impe- relationships with women of various ranks, to his
rial Palace where this particular lady resided). Out of the mature years, when his political and erotic success is
two most recent translations into English, Seidenstick- best reflected in his Rokujō-in mansion, a residence
er’s tends to systematically employ the same names (ex. built to shelter the most important women in his life
Genji, Murasaki, Akashi, Utsusemi, etc.), whereas Tyler’s, and to mirror the Imperial Palace (or at least its
more textually accurate translation, tends to change hidden quarters reserved to the emperor’s female
sometimes characters’ appellation with every chapter. staff).[2] The peak of Genji’s glory however, also
Similarly, many women writers of the Heian period announces his slow but inexorable decline and
left behind their sobriquets alone. Murasaki Shikibu is no chapters such as “Nowaki” and “Wakana” reveal his
exception: “Murasaki” is presumably borrowed from her vulnerability in front of a new generation of young
character in the tale, whereas “Shikibu” refers to a court heroes, Yūgiri and Kashiwagi. The disintegration of
position in the Bureau of Ceremonial (shikibu), that her Genji’s world becomes final with the death of his
father used to occupy. beloved Murasaki, in chapter forty, “Minori,” and
A Note on Genji Characters: Following Genji, all the not long after, the Prince’s shining light is finally
other characters are introduced following the chronol- extinguished.
ogy of the events in the tale. However, this chronology • (the Kiritsubo Intimate/ Kiritsubo Kōi/ Kiritsubo
does not take into account the first time a character is Consort) – Genji’s mother and the favorite of
mentioned, but rather the time a character actually Emperor Kiritsubo, Lady Kiritsubo is disadvantaged
makes his or her debut into the tale. Some of the charac- at court because she lacks parental support. Her
ter descriptions below include a reference to the chapter father, a Grand Counselor, is already dead at the
in which the character is introduced to the narrative. Im- beginning of the narrative, and her mother cannot
portant characters are in capital letters. provide her with political support. Thus, the lady
provokes the jealousy of other imperial concubines,
Characters in particular that of the Kokiden Consort, a lady with
well-founded hopes of becoming Empress. As a
• (Prince Genji/Hikaru Genji/ the Shining Genji/ the result, Kiritusbo is constantly harassed by the other
Shining Prince) - The eponymous hero of the tale, he women and the humiliations she has to suffer at
is the son of an emperor (usually referred to as court eventually trigger her premature death, only
Kiritsubo Emperor) and of a low-ranking imperial three years after having given birth to Genji.Her
concubine (known to readers as Lady Kiritsubo or name is derived from the Paulownia Pavilion, where
Kiritsubo Kōi). Many scholars have tried to decipher she resided while at the Imperial Court, the farthest
the real or fictional model behind the character of location from the emperor’s chambers and symbolic
Genji. Some of the favorite candidates are Ariwara no of the lady’s low status (at least when compared to
Narihira (the hero of The Tales of Ise), Emperor other imperial concubines). (chapter 1). The
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character of Kiritsubo is loosely based on the chapters.[3](chapter 1; like Genji’s death, Suzaku’s
historical Yang Guifei. death is not featured in the narrative)
• ( Kiritsubo Emperor/ Kiritsubo no Mikado) - Genji’s • (Kokiden Consort) – Kiritsubo Emperor’s consort of
father, who despite the large social gap between him higher rank (nyōgo) than Lady Kiritsubo (kōi), she is
and the Kiritsubo Lady, maintains an unwavering the daughter of the powerful Minister of the Right.
devotion to her, tragically exposing her to the Bitterly jealous of the emperor’s love for Kiritsubo,
jealousy of his other consorts. Aware of Genji’s fate once her rival is dead, her animosity comes to affect
were he to attract the hostility of the Kokiden Lady, her rival’s son, Genji. Thus, due to political
and also worried about the predictions made by a scheming, she finally has her son, Suzaku, appointed
Korean soothsayer concerning Genji’s potential Heir Apparent. Nevertheless, once Fujitsubo debuts
future (as an emperor, Genji would bring about into the narrative, Kokiden is confronted with a
unrest and suffering; as a minister, he would much more powerful rival, one that is more high-
encounter unprecedented success), the Emperor ranking than Kiritsubo and thus can claim the title of
demotes Genji from imperial prince to commoner. Empress, leaving Kokiden to content herself with
Thus, at least in theory, Genji is forbidden to ascend being “only” the Empress Mother. Time and again,
to the throne. Instead, Kiritsubo Emperor names Kokiden figures in the narrative as Genji’s archrival,
Suzaku, Genji’s stepbrother and the son of the plotting and scheming to eliminate him from court
ambitious Kokiden Lady as Heir Apparent (or Crown and finally succeeding in stripping him of his rank
Prince). Furthermore, the emperor also arranges and sending him into exile at Suma. Genji’s return
Genji’s marriage to Aoi, the daughter of the Minister from exile marks the beginning of his political
of the Left and, by this, ensures that his son will ascension and also his victory over the Kokiden
benefit from the powerful political support of his Lady.(chapter 1-14)
father-in-law, the only one able to balance the • (Her Highness/ Majesty Fujitsubo/ Lady Fujitsubo) –
influence of Kokiden and her party. Sometime after Daughter of a previous emperor and thus imperial
the death of his beloved Kiritsubo, the emperor princess, Fujitsubo enters the service of Emperor
learns of the existence of an imperial princess, Kiritsubo at the age of sixteen, mainly because of her
referred to as Fujitsubo (again, after the name of her resemblance to the deceased Lady Kiritsubo. She
residence, the Wisteria Pavilion), who uncannily soon becomes an imperial favorite, but also Genji’s
resembles his lost love. Of an incomparable higher childhood crush and later lifelong obsession. By
status than her unfortunate predecessor, Fujitsubo chapter seven, “Momiji no ha,” it becomes obvious
goes on to become the emperor’s favorite and that Fujitsubo and Genji are already involved in an
ultimately Empress, but her resemblance to Genji’s illicit love affair (although the author does not
mother also attracts Genji’s initially childish interest describe, but rather implies the beginning of the
in her. This childish interest, once turned erotic, relationship), the result of which is the birth of
fuels much of the later narrative plot.(chapter 1; dies Reizei (future emperor) whom everyone, except the
chapter 10) two lovers, believes to be the son of the Kiritsubo
• (later, Emperor Suzaku/ Suzaku (Tale of Genji)) – The Emperor. Elevated to the rank of Empress and having
son of Kiritsubo Emperor by the Kokiden Lady, her son named Heir Apparent (Reizei is supposed to
Genji’s half-brother and grandson of the powerful succeed Suzaku), Fujitsubo gradually grows more
Minister of the Right, he is named Heir Apparent, and more troubled by guilt and the fear of having
although the Kiritsubo Emperor would have her secret exposed. Once Genji’s advances intensify
personally preferred to make Genji a Crown Prince. and, in the public realm, the faction of the Kokiden
Apparently a pathetic figure throughout the Lady comes to power, Fujitsubo’s only
narrative (he is cuckolded by Genji, sees the women countermeasure is to take vows and become a nun
he would like to have taken away from him, becomes (“Sakaki”). By this, she hopes on the one hand, to
a puppet in the hands of his mother and her political permanently put Genji off and eliminate the risk of
faction), Suzaku still retains a tragic dignity, their affair being discovered and, on the other hand,
especially during the “Wakana” chapters, when, to reassure Kokiden that she renounces any secular,
after having abdicated and taken Buddhist vows, his political claims to power. After Genji’s return from
religious devotion is obstructed by his excessive exile, she forms a political alliance with him and
paternal love for his favorite daughter, the Third turns into a genuine “politically ambitious” [4] figure
Princess (Onna San No Miya/ Nyōsan). Moreover, at in the tale. Only on her deathbed (in “Usugumo”)
least one Genji critic distinguishes Suzaku’s vengeful does she return to being a romantic heroine.[5]
potential, by identifying him with the possessing Nevertheless, Fujitsubo’s importance in the tale lies
spirit affecting the women of the Uji beyond her immediate contribution to the plot, in
what Norma Filed termed as being an “original
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substitute” [6] (she makes her debut as a substitute Although associated with the Fujiwara clan, Tō no
for Kiritsubo, yet, later, Genji will look for substitutes Chūjō is not on the winning side: the daughters he
for her, in women such as Utsusemi, the Third sends to court are always outshined by Genji’s own
Princess, but most of all, in Murasaki). (chapter 1; candidates so that Tō no Chūjō can never get to play
chapter 10 becomes a nun; chapter 19 dies) the part of a Fujiwara regent. Later in the tale, the
• (Fujitsubo’s Ōmyōbu) – She is a lady-in-waiting in two heroes, Genji and Tō no Chūjō seem to reach
Fujitsubo’s service and Genji’s accomplice. Her major some sort of reconciliation, once Genji revels to Tō
narrative role is to facilitate Genji’s access to no Chūjō the existence of his daughter, Tamakazura,
Fujitsubo, an event which will have as its result the and the latter finally accepts Yūgiri, Genji’s son, as
birth of the future emperor Reizei. In addition, she his son-in-law.(chapter 1-chapter 41)
acts as a go-between in their epistolary exchanges. • (Lady Aoi/Aoi no Ue) - Daughter of the Minister of
(chapters 5-12) the Left (Tō no Chūjō’s sister) and Genji’s first
• (Sadaijin) – Genji’s father-in-law, father to Aoi and principal wife, she marries Genji when she is sixteen
Tō no Chūjō, his role is to maintain perfect political and he only twelve. Proud and distant to her
balance at the Emperor Kiritsubo’s court by husband, Aoi is constantly aware of the age
countering the influence exerted by the Minister of difference between them and very much hurt by
the Right. He is entrusted with Genji’s fate and Genji’s philandering. For only a short while, after
become his protector during Genji’s younger years. giving birth to Genji’s son, Yūgiri, and suffering
With the death of the Kiritsubo Emperor however, episodes of spirit possession, does Aoi actually
the Minister falls out of favor and eventually retires appear appealing in Genji’s eyes. The episode of
from public activities altogether. His main wife is spirit possession itself (mono no ke) is extremely
Princess Ōmiya, the mother of Aoi and Tō no controversial and brings to the fore two female
Chūjō.(chapter 1-chapter 19) characters in the tale: Aoi (Genji’s wife) and Lady
• (Udaijin) – Kokiden Lady’s father and thus Kiritsubo Rokujō (Genji’s mistress). The relationship between
emperor’s father-in-law, the Minister of the Right the two women may be that between victim and
plays a role similar to the historical position of the aggressor, if one follows the traditional
Fujiwara leaders (see Fujiwara clan). Like them, the interpretation of spirit possession,[7] or that between
Minister marries his daughter to the emperor, has accomplices expressing their discontent with the
his grandchild appointed Heir Apparent and rules de Heian system of polygymous marriage (and with
facto after the abdication (in the Genji, after the Genji, obviously).[8] Aoi dies at the end of the “Aoi”
death) of the emperor. Although one of Genji’s chapter and her exit from the tale is thus
enemy, the Minister is often portrayed as un-courtly, definitive.(chapter 1-chapter 9)
indiscreet, even headstrong, but never more evil or • (Governor of Kii) – One of Genji’s retainers, he is the
more determined to destroy Genji than his daughter, son of the Iyo Deputy and stepson of Utsusemi.Later
the Kokiden Consort. The Minister of the Right is becomes Governor of Kawachi. (chapters 2 and 16)
also Tō no Chūjō’s father-in-law.(chapter 1-chapter • (Iyo Deputy) – He is the father of the Governor of Kii
13) and husband of Utsusemi.Later becomes the Deputy
• (Tō no Chūjō) – The son of the Minister of the Left Governor of Hitachi. (chapters 2,4 and 16)
and brother of Aoi, he becomes Genji’s friend and • (空蝉/Utsusemi/Cicada Shell/ Lady of the Locust
rival in love during the Prince’s adolescence and Shell) – She is the wife of the Iyo Deputy and
youth. Their relationship remains fairly harmonious stepmother of the Governor of Kii. She attracts
for the first twelve chapters of the tale: they engage Genji’s attention, but resists his courtship despite his
in conversations about women, share their amorous repeated attempts to win her over. Although she will
experiences and love letters and, once in a while not become a central character in the tale, Utsusemi
compete, or pretend to compete, in conquering a is memorable as the first woman Genji court in the
woman (with Suetsumuhana, the competition seems tale and whose courtship the readers actually
more genuine, whereas in the case of Gen no naishi, witness and also, arguably, as the first to resist
it is a mock-competition meant to create a humorous him.(chapters 2,3,4; reenters the tale in chapter 16; is
interlude). Unbeknown to Tō no Chūjō however, mentioned again in chapter 23)
Genji has an affair with one of his former mistresses, A lady of lower rank, after the death of her father
Yūgao, finds out about the existence of his friend’s she has no choice but to become the second wife of
child, yet reveals nothing to him and, for all that we the Iyo Deputy, whose first wife is dead at the time
know, Tō no Chūjō remains ignorant of these events of the narrative (Chapter 2 “Hahakigi”). She
until the end. After Genji’s return from exile accidentally attracts Genji’s attention during one
however, his friendly rivalry with Tō no Chūjō is no of his visits to the Governor of Kii’s mansion.
longer related to love matters, but becomes political. Forced to avoid a directional taboo, young Genji
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leaves his father-in-law’s mansion at Sanjō and The second time, Genji manages to get close to her
takes refuge to his retainer’s house. Ritual and he even gets to spy on her playing go with her
purification also forced the women of the Iyo step-daughter, Nokiba no ogi. This kaimami (man
Deputy’s household, Utsusemi included, to spying on one or multiple women through a gap in
temporarily reside in the same place. the fence/ curtain/ screen) became a favorite
screen among Genji artists and has been often
Having heard some feminine voices and the illustrated as representation for chapter 3
movements in an adjacent room, Genji becomes “Utsusemi.”
interested in the Governor’s step-mother, whom
he already knew was young and potentially After having spied on her, Genji, with the
attractive. That very same night, Genji steals into complicity of Utsusemi’s younger brother, Kogimi,
the women’s quarters and under the guise of being steals into her chamber again. Aware of his
a lady-in-waiting (Utsusemi is calling for Chūjō, presence, Utsusemi manages to escape from Genji’s
which is both the sobriquet of her servant and embrace by discarding her outer robe like a cicada
Genji’s current rank of captain), he slips next to discards its shell (hence the chapter title). In her
Utsusemi. Once the lady realizes who he really is, desire to escape him, the lady also abandons
she is terrified and would like to call for help, were behind her sleeping step-daughter, who becomes
it not for her awareness that such a discovery Genji’s unwitting prey. Unwilling to admit defeat,
would only bring her shame. Even so, she still or rather to sleep alone for the night, Genji makes
rejects his advances and keeps strong despite his do with what is left behind and ends sleeping with
seductive words, until Genji, at a loss, can only Nokiba no ogi, who does not even imagine she has
think of taking her away to a more private been the victim of mistaken identity.
location. As he carries her out of the room, he
encounters the real Chūjō who is more than ready At the end of the fourth chapter, "Yugao",
to defend her mistress against this unknown Utsusemi leaves the capital with her husband who
intruder until she too realizes who he is. Genji’s has been appointed governor of a province. Nokiba
rank and status is simply too high for the two no ogi also gets married and leaves the narrative.
women to dare raise a commotion. Utsusemi returns in chapter sixteen, “Sekiya,”
when she meets Genji on her return from the
Once Genji secures Utsusemi’s location, he provinces. They exchange poems, and Utsusemi is
continues to pour out sweet words and promises, shown to regret not being able to accept Genji’s
yet the lady “was as (…) the young bamboo: she advances (because of Utsusemi’s marriage and
bend but was not to be broken.”[9] Despite the differences in rank).
textual description, many Genji critics read the
incident as Genji’s success despite the lady’s Last time the readers encounter Utsusemi is in
resistance. Their interpretation lies heavily on one chapter twenty-three, “Hatsune,” where they learn
verb in the original, miru, which, although has that she has become a nun after her husband’s
multiple meanings, also refers to “making love, death. The reason behind her decision is her desire
carnally knowing someone.” Because of this one to escape the unwelcome amorous attentions of
meaning among many, the traditional her step-son, the Governor of Kii. After taking the
interpretation of the scene was that Genji does tonsure, Utsusemi comes to depend upon Genji and
manage to break through Utsusemi’s defenses and takes residence in his former home (his home
ends up sleeping with her. Other critics however, before the building of the Rokujō-in), Nijō-in.
most prominently Margaret Childs,[10] prefer to
• (Utsusemi’s Chūjō) - She is Utsusemi’s servant. Her
reject this interpretation as unfounded.
name literally means “the captain.” Genji was a
After the incident in question, Genji tries to see the Captain in the Palace Guards at the time of his
lady two more times. The first time, she finds out meeting with Utsusemi, so he is able to steal into the
about his arrival and takes refuge into another lady’s chambers by taking advantage of the
wing of the house, where she surrounds herself confusion between Chūjō’s name and his rank.
with her ladies-in-waiting. Frustrated, Genji ends (Utsusemi calls for Chūjō and Genji pretends he
up taking her younger brother to bed, as her misinterpreted her words). Because there are six
replacement. This episode is considered the sole other ladies-in-waiting in the tale all referred to as
explicit example of homosexual relations in the “Chūjō”, the best way to differentiate among them is
tale. by the identities of their mistresses or
masters.(chapter 2)
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• - He is Utsusemi’s brother and 12 or 13 at the time of Yūgao was Tō no Chūjō’s mistress and even gave him
the narrative in the “Hahakigi” chapter. Genji is a daughter, the future Tamakazura. However,
delighted with the boy and uses him as a go-between because of the jealousy of Tō no Chūjō’s main wife,
in the letter exchanges with Utsusemi and Nokiba no Yūgao leaves him and goes into hiding. It is under
ogi. At the end of the “Hahakigi” chapter, frustrated these circumstances that Genji encounters her, while
because he cannot reach Utsusemi, who took refuge out visiting his former wet nurse (Koremitsu’s
in a different pavilion of the Governor of Kii’s mother). The woman’s name translates as “Evening
mansion, Genji beds little Kogimi as a replacement Faces” and refers to the flowers that attract Genji’s
for his sister. This episode constitutes the only open attraction to Yūgao’s shabby abode. Genji becomes
reference to homosexuality (and pederasty) in the very fond of this woman, of whom he apparently
tale. The boy reappears in chapter sixteen, “Sekiya”, knows next to nothing, and proceeds to move her to
as Second of the Right Gate Watch (in Tyler’s an abandoned mansion where she falls pray to spirit
translation), but by then he is already an adult and of possession and dies. The possessing spirit is
no relevance to the narrative.(chapters 2 and 3; traditionally associated with Lady Rokujō. (chapter
reappears in chapter 16) 4)
• - She is the daughter of the Iyo Deputy and the sister • (Yūgao’s Ukon) - She is the daughter of Yūgao’s
of the Governor of Kii, in other words, Utsusemi’s nurse and the lady-in-waiting closest to Yūgao.
stepdaughter. She is a fleeting presence in the tale Orphaned at an early age, Ukon was raised by
and only briefly does she take center stage in Yūgao’s father and grew up together with the lady,
chapter three, “Utsusemi.” During his pursuit of the whom she is extremely attached to. After losing
Lady of the Locust Shell, Genji engages in kaimami Yūgao, she wants to follow her mistress into death,
(lit. “peeping through a hole”) on Utsusemi and but gives in to Genji’s pleas and enters his service.
Nokiba no ogi playing go. When later, he intrudes She will come to play a great role in the discovery of
into the lady’s bedchamber with Kogimi’s complicity, Yūgao’s daughter, Tamakazura. There are two other
Genji fails to capture Utsusemi, who feels leaving ladies-in-waiting named Ukon in the tale (one in the
behind her outer robe and her sleeping service of Naka no Kimi, the other in the service of
stepdaughter. Having been caught in a case of Ukifune, but only the latter plays a similarly
mistaken identity, Genji cannot extricate himself important role as Yūgao’s Ukon).(chapters 4 and 22)
from the situation and ends up sleeping with Nokiba • (The Rokujō Haven/ Rokujō no miyasudokoro/
no ogi (whom he woos into believing she is indeed Rokujō) - She is a lady of high birth and Genji’s
the object of his desire). Needless to say that Genji senior by seven years. Introduced in the tale
quickly forgets this unfortunate event and, later, narrative in chapter four, “Yūgao,” as Genji’s lover,
when he finds out about the girl’s prospective Rokujō is not mentioned in any of the previous
marriage, he is confident that, married or not, chapters. Nevertheless, the later narrative does
Nokiba no ogi will never refuse his clarify certain biographical aspects related to this
advances.(chapters 3,4) lady. Thus, she is the widow of a former Crown
• - He is Genji’s foster brother (in fact his milk brother Prince (presumably one of Emperor Kiritsubo’s
menotogo; Koremitsu’s mother was Genji’s wet brothers) and would have become an empress, if not
nurse), trusted servant and accomplice. He plays his for her husband’s untimely death. Because of her
most prominent part in the “Yūgao” chapter, where outstanding social position, she is entitled to be
he approaches Yūgao and facilitates Genji’s treated with the utmost respect, a fact which Genji,
subsequent courtship of the lady. After Yūgao’s too caught up in his philandering, neglects to do.
death, it is Koremitsu who carries her dead body and Humiliated by Genji’s disrespect for her, angered and
arranges for her funeral rites. Similarly to the Yūgao jealous by the rumors of his affairs, Rokujō becomes
episode, Koremitsu also serves Genji in the following the perfect candidate for being the possessing spirit
chapter, “Wakamurasaki,” where he acts as a go- behind Yūgao’s demise, at least in traditional
between for Genji and Shōnagon, Murasaki’s nurse, interpretations of the tale. Her identification as
as well as Genji’s accomplice in the kidnapping of possessing spirit is further reinforced in the “Aoi”
Murasaki. A very useful servant and mediator in chapter, where several clues seem to make her the
Genji’s love affairs, Koremitsu even accompanies culprit in Aoi’s possession and death. Troubled by
Genji during his exile to Suma. Later in the tale, the gossip about her involvement in Aoi’s possession,
however, his presence becomes more Rokujō herself comes to believe in her own guilt. As a
sporadic.(chapters 4-21) result, she decides to follow her daughter, appointed
• - She is a woman of lower status of about nineteen as Priestess, to Ise. After her return to the capital,
with whom Genji has a short affair in the eponymous she entrusts her daughter, Akikonomu, to Genji and
chapter four, “Yūgao.” Before encountering Genji, dies in chapter fourteen, “Miotsukushi.” Following
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her death, she keeps being identified as the spirit takes the first choice. Later, impressed by Genji’s
inflicting torment upon Genji’s women, Murasaki social standing as well as by the care he devotes to
and the Third Princess to be exact. (chapters 4-14; as Murasaki, Shōnagon is quite happy with her
the presumed possessing spirit, chapters 35,36) decision. As Murasaki ages, Shōnagon slips out of the
• (Murasaki/Lady Murasaki/Murasaki no Ue) – She is narrative unnoticed. (chapters 4-12)
the daughter of Prince Hyōbu by a minor consort • (The Nun, Murasaki’s grandmother) – She is
and related to Fujitsubo on her father’s side (Hyōbu Murasaki’s maternal grandmother who took custody
is Fujitsubo’s brother, hence Murasaki is Fujitsubo’s of the child after the mother’s death. While alive, she
niece). She makes her debut into the tale as a adamantly rejects Genji’s offers of taking care of the
substitute for her unattainable aunt, but she girl because she sees through his innocent-looking
gradually outshines Fujitsubo in Genji’s and the pleas and guesses his ulterior sexual designs for
readers’ eyes, turning into “a substitute for all Murasaki.[16] At the same time, she does not want
seasons.”[11] In fact, her very name, “Murasaki” Murasaki to return to her father’s household for fear
translated as “Lavender,” plays on the affinity of two of Prince Hyōbu’s main wife, whose jealousy of
colors (the color “murasaki” is purple of a darker Murasaki’s mother might make her persecute the
hue than “fuji”, wisteria, of Fujitsubo’s name). child as well. After the grandmother’s death, Genji
Discovered by Genji in the Northern Hills when she takes advantage of the situation and spirits Murasaki
is only ten, she is taken into his Nijō residence after away before her father could take her to his house.
the death of her grandmother (the episode of her (chapter 5)
kidnapping has definite violent undertones) where • (His Highness of War/ Hyōbukyō no Miya) – He is
she is molded into Genji’s ideal woman, not unlike Fujitsubo’s brother and Murasaki’s father. Of royal
the myth of Galatea, with whom she is often blood (like Fujitsubo, he is the son of a former
compared.[12] She remains Genji’s most important emperor), Prince Hyōbu is married with a woman
lover throughout the tale, but, because of her suiting his high status who is extremely jealous of
imperfect social status (she is of royal blood on her Murasaki’s mother, a woman below her own social
father’s side, but her mother was a commoner), she position. The text goes as far as to suggest that
can never be acknowledged as Genji’s main wife (kita Murasaki’s mother died because of the constant
no kata). For that reason, her position is perpetually harassment of Hyōbu’s main wife, not unlike
insecure, especially when Genji’s attention tends to Kiritsubo. After the woman’s death however, Hyōbu
shift to other women, such as Akashi, Asagao, but and his wife are both willing to take Murasaki into
most importantly the Third Princess. Childless her their household, but Genji kidnaps her before Hyōbu
entire life, Murasaki can only adopt Genji’s daughter can act. When Murasaki becomes Genji’s wife, Hyōbu
by the Akashi Lady and raise her to become an is informed of his daughter’s fate and, for a while, his
empress. Towards the end of her life, she repeatedly relationship with Murasaki seems good. Once Genji
expresses her desire to become a nun, but meets falls out of favor and is exiled however, Hyōbu cuts
Genji’s irrevocable opposition. She becomes the all ties with his daughter, a mistake which Genji will
victim of spirit possession in chapter 35 (the not forgive after he rises to the top of the political
aggressor is once more identified as Rokujō, though hierarchy.
this interpretation has been debated [13]) and dies in • (ja: 源典侍 Gen-no-tenji） – Although most likely in
chapter 40 at the age of forty-three without having her late forties, the elderly lady still gains the favor
realized her wish. Murasaki as a character of the of Genji. In The Tale of Genji she flirts with Genji, even
Genji has triggered much debate among scholars. though he knows any relationship with her would be
Some see her as an utterly miserable character,[14] inappropriate.
while others claim that her relationship with Genji is • (also Old Style Princess) – Because her nose is so big,
the best things that could have happened to a the traditionally-minded princess never shows her
woman of Murasaki’s status.[15] The beauty of this face in public and is very shy. However, because of
character resides precisely in its complexity. her talent at playing the zither, Genji becomes
(chapters 5-40) attracted to her.
• (Murasaki’s Shōnagon) – She is Murasaki’s nurse and • – Born as a middle ranked noble, a love affair with
most important protector after the grandmother. Genji was not her own plan, but her father was
Even so, after the grandmother’s death, Shōnagon is insistent in getting them involved in a relationship.
not high-ranking enough to oppose Genji’s plans She gives a birth to a girl,the only daughter of Genji.
and, faced with the decision of either to follow her She brings up her daughter (called Little Lady
young mistress to Genji’s Nijō (at the risk of being Akashi, later Empress Akashi) until the age of four,
accused of kidnapping by Prince Hyōbu, once he when Genji decides that Lady Murasaki should adopt
finds out the girl is missing) or to abandon her, she the little girl. Lady Akashi is saddened, but gradually
6
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of The Tale of Genji characters
accepts the situation. Later, she meets her daughter • - the elder daughter of Hachinomiya (The 8th
again, now a court lady of the crown prince, and Prince), pursued by Kaoru. Becomes sick and dies
receives many honors as the birth mother of little after failing to take care of Nakanokimi.
Lady Akashi. She then receives a letter from her • - the younger daughter of Hachinomiya, pursued
father about his fortune-telling dream. He writes the (and made wife of) Niou.
dream gave him a prediction that his granddaughter • - An illegitimate daughter of Hachinomiya, the
by Lady Akashi would become the empress, and he eighth prince of Emperor Kiritsubo. Her presence is
turned all his efforts to realize that prediction. almost not known by her father. She eventually
• – A daughter of Tō No Chūjō and a lady called Yugao, meets her half-sister Naka no kimi, the second
who was later a concubine of Genji. Tamakazura is daughter of Hachinomiya, and now a wife of Nio no
adopted by Genji.She wants to meet her real father, miya. While she is staying with her sister, Nio no
who doesn’t know she is still alive. Genji forms a miya rapes her. Suffering a sense of betrayal Ukifune
salon for her admirers. He takes pleasure in decides to die and dives into Uji River. Her life is
watching young men compete for Tamakazura’s saved by a passing Buddhist monk priest. Ukifune
favor. Her brother, sons of Tō No Chūjō, are involved, decides to be a nun and refuses Kaoru who sends her
not knowing that she is his sister. Genji himself flirts brother as a messenger and tries to persuade her to
her, just to see her reaction. Later, Tō No Chūjō and come back to him.
she meet again in the courtesy of Genji. Genji has an
idea who to marry her to, but she is raped by a
middle-aged courtier and becomes his wife instead.
References
[1] Ivan Morris, The World of the Shining Prince, 1994,
Part II 285.
• – is the eldest son of Naidaijin (Tō No Chūjō in his [2] Norma Field, The Splendor of Longing in The Tale
youth) and best friend to Yūgiri. He has an affair of Genji, 1987, 112.
with Genji’s youngest wife, Onna san no miya (lit. the [3] Tyler, Royall and Susan. “The Possession of
Third Princess), which results in the birth of Kaoru. Ukifune.” Asiatica Venetiana, 5 (2002): 177-209.
• or Princess Nyosan (in Waley’s translation) - is the [4] Norma Field, The Splendor of Longing in The Tale
beloved daughter of Emperor Suzaku and wife of of Genji, 1987, 30.
Genji in his later years. She is a niece of late Empress [5] Ibid., 44.
Fujitsubo in her maternal lineage. As Genji’s wife she [6] Ibid., 24.
is young and of unformed character and helplessly [7] Royall Tyler tends to interpret spirit possession at
allowed Kashiwagi to force himself upon her. Their face value, at least in the case of another female
affair results in the birth of Kaoru. character, Ukifune. Tyler, Royall and Susan. “The
Possession of Ukifune.” Asiatica Venetiana, 5
Part III (2002): 177-209.
[8] Doris Bargen, A Woman’s Weapon: Spirit
• - is the protagonist of Part III. Legally he is known as Possession in The Tale of Genji, Honolulu:
the son of Genji and Onna san no miya but his real University of Hawai’i Press, 1997.
father is the late Kashiwagi. Learning this secret [9] Seidensticker, The Tale of Genji, 1993, 43.
makes him noncommittal and lean towards [10] Childs, Margaret H. “The Value of Vulnerability:
Buddhism. He falls in love with Oigimi in Uji, the first Sexual Coercion and the Nature of Love in Japanese
daughter of Hachinomiya, but she dies. He later fell Court Literature.” The Journal of Asian Studies, 58,
in love with Ukifune whose features are quite similar no. 4 (1999): 1059-1079.
to the late Oigimi, but their relationship also fails. [11] Norma Field, The Splendor of Longing in The Tale
• (Prince the Perfumed) - Nio no miya is the third of Genji, 1987, 160.
prince of the current Emperor by Empress Akashi, [12] Komashaku Kimi, Murasaki Shikibu no messēji
therefore a grandson of Genji. Nio no miya is the best (Tōkyō: Asahi Shinbunsha, 1991).
friend to Kaoru. He is known a man of love affairs. He [13] Doris G. Bargen, A Woman’s Weapon: Spirit
falls in love to Naka no kimi in Uji, the second Possession in The Tale of Genji (Honolulu:
daughter of Hachinomiya and the younger sister of O University of Hawai’i Press, 1997).
no kimi. Despite some opposition, he makes Naka no [14] Komashaku Kimi, Murasaki Shikibu no messēji
kimi a wife. He rapes Ukifune, her half-sister who (Tōkyō: Asahi Shinbunsha, 1991).
eventually stayed at her, and this incident drives her [15] Royall Tyler, “I am I”: Genji and Murasaki,”
to suicide. Monumenta Nipponica 54, no4 (1999).
[16] Royall Tyler, trans., The Tale of Genji, p. 91.
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia List of The Tale of Genji characters
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