Princess Hase, a Story of Old Japan

 

Many centuries ago in Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, there resided a wise statesman named Prince Toyonari Fujiwara and his wife, Princess Murasaki. Despite their happiness together, they were deeply saddened by their inability to have children. They decided to embark on a pilgrimage to the temple of Hase-no-Kwannon, the Goddess of Mercy at Hase, hoping for divine intervention to grant them a child.

Their prayers were answered, and Princess Murasaki gave birth to a daughter whom they named Hase-Hime, in honor of Kwannon, whose grace they believed had blessed them with the child they had longed for. Hase-Hime grew up under the loving care of her parents, especially her mother, who instilled in her the values of obedience and kindness.

Tragedy struck when Hase-Hime was only five years old, and her mother fell seriously ill. On her deathbed, Princess Murasaki counseled her daughter to be good and obedient, even suggesting that her father might remarry. Despite her mother's passing, Hase-Hime remained devoted to her upbringing, respecting her father's new wife, Princess Terute, despite the latter's coldness and lack of affection.

Princess Terute, jealous of Hase-Hime's virtue and talent, particularly in music and poetry, sought ways to undermine her step-daughter. Her envy intensified when Hase-Hime performed admirably at the Emperor's court, earning acclaim and rewards while Princess Terute failed in her own endeavors.

Driven by malice, Princess Terute plotted to poison Hase-Hime, but her plan backfired tragically when her own son inadvertently drank the poisoned wine and died. Despite this, her animosity toward Hase-Hime only grew, fueling her determination to harm her step-daughter.

When the opportunity arose during her father's absence, Princess Terute ordered Hase-Hime to be taken to a remote mountain area and killed. However, the servant entrusted with this task, Katoda, instead protected Hase-Hime, hiding her in a secluded cottage in the Hibari Mountains, along with his wife.

Meanwhile, Prince Toyonari, upon discovering his daughter missing, launched a search. His relentless pursuit led him to the mountains, where he unexpectedly found Hase-Hime living quietly, devoted to her studies and prayers. Overjoyed at finding his daughter safe, he listened to Katoda's account of Princess Terute's cruelty and promptly returned home with Hase-Hime.

Upon their return, Princess Terute, fearing retribution for her deeds, fled in disgrace to her father's home, where she remained. Prince Toyonari, grateful to Katoda for his loyalty, rewarded him generously, and Hase-Hime lived the rest of her days in happiness and honor.

As she grew older, she married a nobleman chosen by her father and became known for her wisdom, beauty, and devotion. She brought great joy to her family, especially to her father, who cherished her deeply until his retirement.

To this day, a piece of tapestry, believed to be crafted by Princess Hase, remains preserved in a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, a testament to her legacy of grace, resilience, and enduring faith.