Ukifune

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Ukifune (浮舟, うきふね), meaning "drifting boat" or "floating boat", is the title of the chapter of The Tale of Genji that revolves around the character of the same name. She is the unrecognized daughter of the Eighth Prince of Japan in the novel , and is the half sister of Oigimi and Nakanokimi. She lives with her mother at a distance from the royal court, unbeknownst to her the reality of her birth and situation. And while the story does not focus upon her, her role in the story serves to only show the irresponsible indulgences of the many royal princes and courtiers in the time of Murasaki Shikibu's writing of this book.

Ukifune, who was loved by both Kaoru and Prince Niou, had secretly been agonizing by the indecision of the situation. Eventually in order to release herself from the triangular love affair, she attempted suicide by throwing herself into the Uji River but was unsuccessful. Having been rescued, she became a nun and secluded herself in Ono, at the western foot of Mount Hici.