Songofsnow Books, Art & Photo

In several key episodes of the Genji, Heian noblewomen (or their mediums) tremble, speak in strange voices, and tear their hair and clothing while under the spell of mono no ke.

For literary critics, Genji, the male protagonist, is central to determining the role of these spirits...Bargen considers in detail five major instances of spirit possession in the narrative. She also discusses renderings of these possessions in the visual arts.