The Jealous Lover愛人の嫉妬
Written by Lady Murasaki in the 11th century, the fabled Tale of Genji contains an episode which illustrates the phenomenon of "onryo", the wrath of a vengeful spirit.
In this tale, a mistress of the adulterous Prince Hikaru Genji is ill-treated by the servant of the prince's wife, causing feelings of violent resentment to fester inside her until she unwittingly manifests a malign spirit that afflicts the prince's wife, in time killing her.
Ashamed of her unwitting part in this act of devilry, the mistress resolves to end her relationship with the prince.
Today, the shrine at which this woman sought refuge is well known for its rites of fate tethering, which serve to strengthen the bonds between couples.
Ugh, the nerve of that woman! Getting her maid to dismiss me like that! Bah, it makes my blood boil! To be treated like that by a mere serving girl! It's unforgivable!
To be sure, I may not be his lawful wife, but I know it is me he truly loves! And she knows it too!
If only that woman was out of the picture, he would surely realize that we are destined to be together! Ah, how sweet it would be! If only she was gone... If only she was gone...
まったく、腹が立つ。 正妻だか何だか知らないけれど、 あの人が本当に愛しているのは私なのよ？ なのに、従者に命じてあんなひどいことを…。許せない。 そうよ。あの女さえいなければ、私が正妻になれる。 あの女さえいなければ…。
I can't believe my husband was cavorting with that little vixen behind my back! Well, at least I was able to give her a piece of my mind. Now that she knows who rules the roost, I shouldn't have to worry about her anymore.
My husband's mistress hasn't shown her face around here lately. It seems I really did manage to scare her off.
But I'm in no condition to crow. I've been feeling very out of sorts lately. Why, my throat is so sore today, it almost feels as if somebody were choking me!
Ugh... I...I can't...breathe...! Everything's... Everything's...going...black...!
Oh, what have I done? All that resentment I felt towards the prince's wife got out of control and became a spirit that drove her to her death. It is true that I wished she were gone, but I never wanted her to suffer, I swear. And now I have brought about something which cannot be undone, all for the love of a foolish man!
I must try to forget him. Yes, I will leave this manor and find some quiet place to dwell. But I fear this incident will haunt me yet. Ah, that wretched man! He will never know the pain he has caused!
- Where
- Temple district
- Map
- Arashiyama: Temple
- Region
- Arashiyama
- Hand in to
- Lady Murasaki, Yasaka Shrine
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