Princess Wakatarashihime
Legendary Japanese princess and Saiō of Ise Jingū
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Princess Wakatarashihime (稚足姫皇女; Wakatarashi-hime) was a Japanese princess and Saiō of Ise Jingū Grand Shrine. Her father was Emperor Yūryaku and her mother was Katsuragi no Karahime.[1][2]
| Wakatarashihime 稚足姫 皇女 | |
|---|---|
A depiction of the Princess from the Zenken Kojitsu | |
| Saiō | |
| Tenure | 456 – 459 |
| Predecessor | Princess Iwashi |
| Successor | Princess Sasage |
| Died | 459 Isuzu River |
| House | Imperial house of Japan |
| Father | Emperor Yūryaku |
| Mother | Katsuragi no Karahime |
Life
Born to Emperor Yūryaku, and a consort named Katsuragi no Karahime,[1] Wakatarashihime became Saiō in 456.[1][a] However three years into her tenureship as Saiō, Ae no Kunimi accused a man named Takehiko, who was a son of Iokibe no Kikoyu, of having sex (possibly raping) with the princess and impregnating her.[3][4][5] The saiō was supposed to remain a virgin and unmarried, and breaking this could cost a woman the title.[6] For example, in 578 Princess Uji, daughter of Emperor Bidatsu, lost the title less than a year into her job after being raped, thus no longer being a virgin.[7] The princess pleaded her innocence, stating:
Thy handmaiden knows nothing.
Death
Following her poem, the Princess soon went missing, and the Emperor had people search for her.[4][10] The princess had left for Isuzu River, and committed suicide by hanging herself.[8] The princess's mirror was found buried near Isuzu River, and soon after the princess's body was found.[4][10][11] Her body was soon cut open, where it was found that she had not in fact been pregnant, thus proving her and Takehiko's innocence; however by this point Takehiko was also dead after being murdered by his father.[4]
Takehiko's father was relieved at his son's innocence, however was remorseful at murdering his son. So he murdered Kunimi and fled to Isonokami Shrine.[8]
Notes
- She is said to have committed suicide three years after becoming Saiō. She is estimated to have died in 459, hence the estimation that she became Saiō in 456.
- The Shaku Nihongi specifies the Yata no Kagami. William Aston makes no reference to the poem in his translation of the Nihon Shoki.