Counter clockwise from upper right: Waka Tarashi Hiko, Tarashi Naka tsu Hiko, and Takechi Sukune (sometimes Takeshi-uchi Sukune). Of course, these are all conjectural images, and not based on any historical or even archaeological evidence.

So this episode we actually cover at least three different individuals and get introduced to a fourth.

Waka Tarashi Hiko

The 13th sovereign has perhaps the fewest lines of anyone in this episode as far as the Chronicles go. However, he’s something of a spur on the tree of the royal family, as he passes the throne not to his own son, but to his nephew.

Tarashi Naka tsu Hiko

The middle of three brothers (and a sister), Tarashi Naka tsu Hiko, son of Yamato Takeru and nephew of Waka Tarashi Hiko, was named Crown Prince and became the 14th sovereign.

Takechi Sukune

Also known as Takeshiuchi Sukune was the Prime Minister, or Ōmi (大臣) from the time of the 12th sovereign, Ō Tarashi Hiko, and would continue in the position for at least four reigns.

Okinaga Tarashi Hime

Technically, we will hear more about her in future episodes. She was the wife of Tarashi Naka tsu Hiko, at least according to the chronicles, and a shamaness of some power. And that may be the most we want to say at this point. After all… spoilers.

There are a few other things that we might be able to say, but I think I’m going to save most of it for a later episode. Next time the plan is to go back to the continent and try to come up to speed on just what has been going on over on the peninsula.

References

• Ō, Yasumaro, & Heldt, G. (2014). The Kojiki: An account of ancient matters. ISBN978-0-231-16389-7

• Bentley, John. (2006). The Authenticity of Sendai Kuji Hongi: a New Examination of Texts, with a Translation and Commentary. ISBN-90-04-152253

• Chamberlain, B. H. (1981). The Kojiki: Records of ancient matters. Rutland, Vt: C.E. Tuttle Co.  ISBN4-8053-0794-3

• Aston, W. G. (1972). Nihongi, chronicles of Japan from the earliest times to A.D. 697. London: Allen & Unwin. ISBN0-80480984-4

• Philippi, D. L. (1968). Kojiki. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press. ISBN4-13-087004-1