World and Lore / Kyoto mystery

The Jealous Lover

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.