Hikaru Genji

Common card · No. 425262

Hikaru Genji (光源氏) is the protagonist of Murasaki Shikibu's Heian-era Japanese novel The Tale of Genji. "Hikaru" means "shining", deriving from his appearance, hence he is known as the "Shining Prince." He is portrayed as a superbly handsome man and a genius. Genji is the second son of a Japanese emperor, but he is relegated to civilian life for political reasons and lives as an imperial officer. The first part of the story concentrates on his romantic life, and in the second, on his and others' internal agony. He appears from the first volume "Kiritsubo" to the 40th volume "Illusion". "Genji" is the surname of a noble demoted from royalty. His given name is never referred to in the story, as is the case with most other characters. He is also referred to as Rokujō no In (六条院), sometimes abbreviated as In (院). He is often called Genji. Hikaru Genji was attractive and talented, easily gaining the favor of those around him at a young age. Describing his superlative qualities, Murasaki Shikibu...

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