The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari)

Murasaki Shikibu · c. 1008

Overview

Fifty-four chapters. The main part tells of the loves, glory and late-life anguish of the Shining Genji, born an emperor's son but made a commoner; the sequel, after Genji's death, is the story of Uji centered on Kaoru and Niou (the Ten Uji Chapters). It spans more than seventy years and a great many characters, and contains about 800 waka. The author, Murasaki Shikibu, served Empress Shoshi, consort of Emperor Ichijo.

Background

It was written when Fujiwara no Michinaga had made his daughters empresses and regency politics was at its height. Murasaki Shikibu came from a family of provincial governors, and after her husband's death she served Shoshi as a lady-in-waiting. The tale is set at a court of a little earlier ("In a certain reign…") against the realities of noble society: the ranks of the women's quarters, marriage, taking holy orders, possessing spirits, exile from the capital through political struggle. Murasaki Shikibu's Diary records that it was the talk of the court.

Highlights

  1. KiritsuboA consort of modest rank wins all the emperor's love and dies amid jealousy. Everything begins here.Read “Heian-kyo, the Imperial Palace” →
  2. The parting at NonomiyaOn the autumn plain of Saga, Genji and the Rokujo Lady, leaving for Ise, meet for the last time. One of the tale's most beautiful scenes.Read “Nonomiya Shrine” →
  3. Suma and AkashiHounded by his enemies, Genji withdraws to Suma. Through storm and dream and his meeting with the Akashi Lady, he returns to the capital: the turning point of the tale.Read “Suma” →
  4. The Uji chaptersAfter Genji's death, a darker, more inward story about the princesses of Uji and Ukifune. The ending is left to the reader.Read “Uji” →