Murasaki Shikibu was born into the influential Fujiwara family and was originally (perhaps) known as Fujiwara-no-Kaoriko. Although this may suggest she had an easy life, this was hardly the case. She lost her mother at a young age, and her father was a somewhat distant man. Thus, although she may not have had many nights with an empty stomach, she was isolated and often seemed to be starved for connection. Yet, she was able to unite with her father in his love of poetry and writing. Despite women generally not learning the characters used for literature during this era, Murasaki Shikibu flourished while learning them and also became an adept writer.

She eventually married a man more than 20 years her senior and had a child with him. However, he died during an epidemic shortly after his daughter was born, and while Murasaki Shikibu was grieving his loss, she wrote “The Tale of Genji” – often considered to be the world’s first novel. And for more than one thousand years, Murasaki Shikibu’s love story has amazed readers. She shortly after became a lady-in-waiting for the Empress, serving as her tutor and also making waka poetry in her own time.

Despite her success in court life, Murasaki Shikibu did not enjoy this world of cultural elites (Although she seemed to care deeply for the Empress). She saw many of the courtly people as simple-minded, and therefore, she generally enjoyed time by herself. Murasaki Shikibu would often be found at her favorite temple, staring at the moon for inspiration.

Throughout her life, she was creative in finding a way to succeed in situations where there seemed to be little hope. This was her skill that ascended her into this realm, one where she could expand upon her cleverness and adaptability and use them to serve a greater good. She is now adept at many powerful skills, which she can cast by chanting them!