The Empress Fujitsubo – Tales of Genji

One of the important characters in the Tale of Genji ( Genji Monogatari 源氏物語) is Empress Fujitsubo . Although he only appears in the first part of the book’s story, his influence weighs heavily on everything that happens with the main character, Genji .

The History of Genji was written by Murasaki Shikibu during the Heian period (794-1185). Murasaki was a renowned novelist, despite having lived in a time when it was rare to be a fully literate woman . In addition to creating literary works, she also served as a lady-in-waiting to Empress Shōshi at the Imperial Court.

Women at that time were generally relegated to domestic chores, and reading about tragic love stories, set in imperial life, allowed them to escape their everyday lives.

What is The Story of Genji about ?

Genji’s Story takes place during one of Japan’s most polygamous eras. It follows the life of Hikaru Genji , son of Emperor Kiritsubo and his most favored wife, Lady Kiritsubo .

Genji goes through two very traumatic moments that lay the foundations of his life. The first is the untimely death of his mother during his childhood. The other is his demotion from royal status by his father. Despite these two tragedies in his life, he grows up as a well-mannered, personable, and even attractive person. Due to his good looks, women fall in love with him and he quickly becomes known as what we would now call a playboy.

Fujitsubo is first introduced to the story when the emperor learns of her resemblance to his late wife. He seeks her out and marries her, thus becoming Genji ‘s stepmother despite being only 5 years older than him.

Due to their closeness in age, Genji sees her as a sister rather than a mother. However, as their relationship grows, Genji ‘s fondness for Fujitsubo causes him to fall in love with her. In turn, Fujitsubo also falls in love with Genji , but knowing the consequences that could have, she hides her feelings for him.

During this time, adult men and women could not meet in private and because of this, Genji and Fujitsubo had no way to express their love for each other. As they continue to struggle with their denied love, Emperor Kiritsubo arranges a marriage for Genji , however this is not enough to ward off his feelings for Fujitsubo.

One day, unable to resist anymore, they both finally affirm their love in secret. The forbidden consummation leads to the birth of a son and to protect his son, Fujitsubo claims him as the emperor’s own.

To hide her crime, Fujitusbo decides to break off her life-threatening relationship with Genji and become a nun. By doing this, he cuts all ties to the world and as a consequence, ends their forbidden relationship. Denying his love for Genji ends up destroying Fujitsubo. She still loved Genji, and he loved her, too, but the fear of what would happen to her son was too much for her to bear.

The Story of Genji transcends both its genre and its time. Its basic theme and setting (love at the Heian period court) are those of romance but Murasaki Shikibu ‘s unique genius has made the work a powerful affirmation of human relationships, the impossibility of permanent happiness in many. love and the vital importance, in a world of pain, of sensitivity to the feelings of others.