고전문학과 공간 : 『헤이케모노가타리(平家物語)』에 나타난 이쓰쿠시마(厳島) 신사에 관한 일고찰

Abstract

In The Tale of Heike, one of the most representative Japanese prose texts of the Middle Ages, we find the description of Heike and Itsukushima Shrine. However, few studies have attempted to analyze the relationship between Heike and Itsukushima, as they have focused instead on how their combination led to greater conflict and problems with the Imperial Court and other religious forces, which in turn led to greater unification of the anti-Heike forces. The faith of Kiyomori, Heike’s leader in Itsukushima, is considered in The Tale of Heike together with the intention to create a new space, because the union between Heike and Itsukushima Shrine was important in the process of eventually destroying Heike. The advent of Kiyomori was prophesied by the God of Itsukushima during the large-scale reconstruction of Itsukushima Shrine, and he duly established a relationship with the Shrine. Kiyomori’s subsequent wish to become the Emperor’s maternal grandfather through his connection with Itsukushima Shrine is described in The Tale of Heike as having an ominous result because of the misguided ambition of Kiyomori to take control of Japan. In particular, Takakura’s decision to visit Itsukushima Shrine, symbolizing the simultaneous rise of Heike in the vertical space of hierarchy and influence, results in the gathering of opposition forces. This incident leads to the transfer of the capital to Fukuharat, which is Heike’s most evil deed. The negative descriptions of the birth of Emperor Antonku and of Takakura’s visit to Itsukushima come about because at a time when royal authority was undermined by the Jōkyū War, it was incumbent on the emperor to transmit a message of caution to those who threatened the existing system, and the use of logic was necessary for them to consolidate their position.