Aoi no Ue

Aoi no Ue (葵の上) is a character from the classic Japanese literature The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari), written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. She is the principal wife of Prince Genji, the protagonist of the story.

Aoi no Ue is the daughter of the Minister of the Left, a powerful and influential figure in the Imperial court. Her high social standing and impeccable breeding make her a suitable match for Genji, and their marriage is politically advantageous for both families.

However, their marriage is largely unhappy. Aoi no Ue is older and more reserved than Genji, and their personalities clash. She struggles to understand Genji's amorous nature and his numerous affairs, causing her considerable pain and resentment. She maintains a stoic and dignified exterior, masking her inner turmoil.

Despite the emotional distance between them, Aoi no Ue eventually conceives and gives birth to Genji's son, Yūgiri. Tragically, she dies shortly after childbirth, a victim of a vengeful spirit (ikiryō) possessed by Genji's jealous former lover, Lady Rokujō. Her death deeply affects Genji, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions and contributing to his emotional growth.

Aoi no Ue is often depicted as a symbol of aristocratic virtue, but also as a victim of the social constraints and expectations placed upon women in Heian period Japan. Her story highlights the complexities of marriage, love, and jealousy within the context of the Imperial court.