The Tale of Genji, Volume 9, Early Fern/Mustard/Arbour

Returning to the origins of narrative literature, The Tale of Genji. Faithful to the text, yet easy to read. A superb modern translation! The ninth volume, from the Early Warabi chapter to the Higashiya chapter, covers events from the spring when Kaoru was 25 to the autumn when she was 26. Mourning the loss of Okimi, Naka no Kimi is welcomed into Nijō-in, where Niōmiya lives. However, when Niōmiya marries Yūgiri's daughter, Roku no Kimi, the two spend more time apart at night, deepening her grief. Naka no Kimi informs Kaoru of her half-sister, Ukifune, who bears a striking resemblance to the late Okimi. This marks the final appearance of a female figure in the epic tale. The essay at the end of the volume examines the ancient tale format in The Tale of Genji. Needless to say, The Tale of Genji is a masterpiece among masterpieces in the history of storytelling, and holds a special place. However, this story did not suddenly emerge out of thin air; rather, it incorporated many of the ancient tale formats that had come before it, and was born as it was meant to be.