The Tale of Genji facts for kids
The Tale of Genji (源氏物語, Genji Monogatari) is a very old and famous story from Japan. Many people believe it was written by a Japanese noblewoman named Murasaki Shikibu. She wrote it around the early 1000s, which was during the most important time of the Heian Period. The language used back then is called Late Old Japanese. Some people think The Tale of Genji was the world's first novel, or at least the first modern novel that is still considered a classic today. However, not everyone agrees on this.
A Japanese scholar named Motoori Norinaga was the first to use the term Mono no aware when he reviewed this book. This term is now very important for understanding Japanese literature. It describes a feeling of gentle sadness or empathy for things that are beautiful but will not last forever.
Understanding the Story
The Tale of Genji tells the story of Hikaru Genji, a son of the emperor. It follows his life, his loves, and his adventures in the Heian court. The book gives us a detailed look into the lives of noble people in ancient Japan. It shows their customs, their art, and their feelings.
Translating a Classic
Over the years, many people have worked to translate The Tale of Genji so that people around the world can read it. The first part of the story was translated into English by Suematsu Kencho.
A Japanese nun named Jakucho Setouchi made a notable translation in 1998. Arthur Waley also created an English version, though he changed some parts of the story. Later, Edward Seidensticker made the first complete English translation. He tried to stick very closely to the original Japanese text. The newest English translation, by Royall Tyler in 2002, also aimed to be very true to Murasaki Shikibu's original words.
Images for kids
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Murasaki Shikibu, shown in an illustration by Tosa Mitsuoki (17th century).
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A scene from chapter 15, "Waste of Weeds," from a 12th-century illustrated scroll.
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A scene from chapter 37, "Flute," from the Tokugawa Art Museum’s Genji Monogatari Emaki.
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A scene from chapter 48, "Bracken Shoots," from the Tokugawa Art Museum’s handscroll.
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Illustration of chapter 5, "Young Murasaki," by Tosa Mitsuoki (1617–91).
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Illustration of chapter 42, "The Perfumed Prince," by Tosa Mitsuoki.
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Pages from a 12th-century illustrated handscroll.
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The 2000 yen note features The Tale of Genji and Murasaki Shikibu.
See also
In Spanish: Genji Monogatari para niños
