Ukifune
Encyclopedia
Ukifune meaning "drifting boat" or "floating boat", is the title of the chapter of The Tale of Genji
that revolves around the character of the same name. She is the unrecognized daughter of the Eighth Prince of Japan in the novel , and is the half sister of Oigimi and Nakanokimi. She lives with her mother at a distance from the royal court, unbeknownst to her the reality of her birth and situation. And while the story does not focus upon her, her role in the story serves to only show the irresponsible indulgences of the many royal princes and courtiers in the time of Murasaki Shikibu
's writing of this book.
Ukifune, who was loved by both Kaoru
and Prince Niou, had secretly been agonizing by the indecision of the situation. Eventually in order to release herself from the triangular love affair, she attempted suicide by throwing herself into the Uji River but was unsuccessful. Having been rescued, she became a nun and secluded herself in Ono, at the western foot of Mount Hiei.
The Tale of Genji
is a classic work of Japanese literature attributed to the Japanese noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century, around the peak of the Heian period. It is sometimes called the world's first novel, the first modern novel, the first psychological novel or the first novel still to be...
that revolves around the character of the same name. She is the unrecognized daughter of the Eighth Prince of Japan in the novel , and is the half sister of Oigimi and Nakanokimi. She lives with her mother at a distance from the royal court, unbeknownst to her the reality of her birth and situation. And while the story does not focus upon her, her role in the story serves to only show the irresponsible indulgences of the many royal princes and courtiers in the time of Murasaki Shikibu
Murasaki Shikibu
Murasaki Shikibu was a Japanese novelist, poet and lady-in-waiting at the Imperial court during the Heian period. She is best known as the author of The Tale of Genji, written in Japanese between about 1000 and 1012...
's writing of this book.
Ukifune, who was loved by both Kaoru
Kaoru Genji
Kaoru Genji is a fictional character in The Tale of Genji . He is the son of Hikaru Genji's wife, "Third Princess" , and Genji's nephew Kashiwagi. Genji is aware of the affair by his wife and nephew Kashiwagi...
and Prince Niou, had secretly been agonizing by the indecision of the situation. Eventually in order to release herself from the triangular love affair, she attempted suicide by throwing herself into the Uji River but was unsuccessful. Having been rescued, she became a nun and secluded herself in Ono, at the western foot of Mount Hiei.
Trivia
- The song "Ukifune" by the Japanese indie band GO!GO!7188GO!GO!7188GO!GO!7188 , also known simply as Gogo, is a Japanese rock band with influences spanning from surf rock to punk rock to enka.The meaning of the band's name is known only to its members.- History :...
, which refers directly to the story.