Reikeiden Character Analysis in The Tale of Genji

Reikeiden used to be one of the Emperor's consorts, but her popularity plummets after the Emperor dies. Genji begins to visit her and her sister, the Lady of the Orange Blossoms. Reikeiden and Genji often reminisce about old times and their sexual relationship isn't as apparent or active as is Genji's with her sister.

Reikeiden Quotes in The Tale of Genji

The The Tale of Genji quotes below are all either spoken by Reikeiden or refer to Reikeiden. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

). Note: all page numbers and citation info for the quotes below refer to the Vintage edition of The Tale of Genji published in 1976.

They lived precarious lives, completely dependent on Genji. So lonely indeed was their mansion that he could imagine the desolation awaiting it once he himself was gone...

Related Characters: , , ,

Page Number and Citation: 245

Explanation and Analysis:

Reikeiden Character Timeline in The Tale of Genji

The timeline below shows where the character Reikeiden appears in The Tale of Genji. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

After the Emperor's death, one of his ladies, Reikeiden, had been forgotten by everyone but Genji. One evening in summer, he decides to visit... (full context)

Because Genji keeps getting notes from Reikeiden and the Lady of the Orange Blossoms, he decides to spend one final night with... (full context)

...to Ise. He also receives comforting letters from the Lady of the Orange Blossoms and Reikeiden, and he sends friends in the city to make repairs to their house and garden. (full context)

...time to visit his other lovers. When the summer rains begin, he goes to visit Reikeiden and the Lady of the Orange Blossoms. The lady is beautiful, and Genji wishes that... (full context)