Was there really a shaman queen Himiko who successfully ruled the Japanese people for half a century?

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

A woman leader, a woman ruler - this always arouses interest and awe. In Japan, which even today has not lost some of the features of patriarchy, there are still legends about one such "superwoman", and historians are still arguing whether this is a real character or still a fictional one. In any case, this story is very beautiful, besides, as you know, there is no smoke without fire. It will be about the famous Himiko - the supreme ruler and at the same time the high priestess of her kingdom, who lived about two thousand years ago.

The first Japanese ruler?

Himiko (another version of the name - Pimiko) is not just an original character in local folklore, mythology and, if you will, history. This is a figure that really inspires reverence and respect among the Japanese. First, Himiko is considered the first named and confirmed ruler. The fact is, the names of most of the prominent people who lived and died on our land in the 3rd century, still, due to the age of years, have not survived to us. And it's just amazing that the legend of Himiko is still alive today, passed down from generation to generation.

Secondly, according to a recent poll by the Japanese Ministry of Education, 99% of local schoolchildren know about Queen Himiko and, moreover, recognize her as a historical figure. In other words, she is known to the Japanese in much the same way as, for example, Michael Jackson to young Americans. And this does not prevent scientists from constantly debating about where exactly her kingdom was located, as well as about herself as a real (or not real) character.

She was chosen by the people

It is believed that the period of Himiko's rule falls on the first half of the 3rd century, when the Japanese islands were not yet a single political state and were started with hundreds of clan nations (sort of mini-states) united in regional confederations. Agricultural communes gradually began to give way to kingdoms, political power became more consolidated, and social status more and more defined. In Japanese history, this period is considered a transitional period between the Yayoi and Kofun eras (the first period of the Yamato era).

In those days, religious power was closely intertwined with the spiritual, and for the priestess Himiko it was a good period: women-shamans were respected by everyone, because the people believed that they were able to drive out evil spirits and at the same time are guides from man to divine spirits …

The little that is known to modern Japanese about Himiko and about the period of her reign was extracted from ancient handwritten Chinese and Korean sources (the Japanese did not yet have their own history at that time), partially having archaeological confirmation. In particular, about Himiko can be read in the description of the history of the creation of the Wei Kingdom (297) and in later Chinese dynastic stories. The shaman queen is also mentioned in the oldest known Korean texts (Historical Records of the Three Kingdoms, 1145 AD), which contain a brief description of Himiko's relations with Korean neighbors.

Based on these sources, it is known that at the end of the II century, the absence of a talented and authoritative leader plunged the Japanese lands into an abyss of political unrest and violence. It was during this period (presumably in 190 AD) that the people chose an unmarried shamaness as their ruler.

Himiko was placed in a palace with watchtowers and provided with armed guards. According to ancient written sources, the ruler was served by a thousand maidservants, and she kept communication with the outside world through her "brother", who transmitted her orders and statements to the people. Ascending the throne, Himiko quickly restored peace and order in her domain, and she managed to maintain it for the next 50-60 years. It was noted that the ruler could effectively control the leaders of neighboring clans.

In addition to performing religious rites as a shamaness, Queen Himiko ruled over more than one hundred small "states" that recognized her as their leader. During her political reign, the shamanic queen sent diplomatic delegations to China at least four times on behalf of the entire Yamata Federation. Moreover, as a recognition of Himiko's legitimacy, the Chinese Wei dynasty even bestowed upon her the title of “queen, friendly Wei,” accompanying this gift with a golden seal, as well as presenting her with more than a hundred ritual bronze mirrors (in those days in the East, they spoke of the high status of the owner) …

It is known that as the political and religious leader of the proto-Japanese Yamatai Federation, the ruler-priestess Himiko was loved by her compatriots and at the same time respected outside her domain. She was appreciated for her political ingenuity and sharp mind.

Oblivion is replaced by popularity

Himiko died, according to written records, in 248. It is known that a giant mound was erected in honor of the deceased queen, but its exact location is still unknown (there are only hypotheses).

Interestingly, neither the shamanic queen nor her kingdom is mentioned in ancient Japanese texts. Some historians attribute this to the fact that, starting from the 8th century, the Japanese authorities began to imitate the patriarchal models established in China, and the existence of shamanic queens could undermine the authority of the Japanese house in the eyes of neighbors. In addition, the Confucian and Buddhist religions that spread among the Japanese also did not contribute to the elevation of the role of women in society. Over the years, the name Himiko was consigned to oblivion.

The shamanic queen and her kingdom, Yamatai, were again remembered only in the Edo period (1600-1868), thanks to the philosopher and politician Hakuseki and the scientist Norinaga. It was between them that a dispute first arose: where was the kingdom of the shaman woman and what political role did it play? Hakuseki dismissed Japanese history as inaccurate and argued that Yamatai was located in the Kinai Plain, in the heart of Japan. Norinaga, on the other hand, supported the veracity of Japanese history and even stated that the "little-known" Queen Yamatai did not play a big role in society and tricked the Chinese rulers into believing in her power. Norinaga's version was dominant until the end of World War II.

Queen Himiko gained her true popularity in the 1950s and 1970s. Historians and archaeologists again became interested in this character. The general interest was also fueled by the tombs with numerous bronze mirrors found near Kyoto, which archaeologists of the post-war years attributed to the III century.

In honor of Queen Himiko, beauty contests are held in Japan, she became the heroine of films, literary works, anime and video games, and even political cartoons. Moreover, an erotic series has been filmed about Himiko, and in the motion picture she is portrayed as a slutty woman.

Interestingly, some Eastern historians identify Himiko with Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess. There are also parallels with the semi-mythical conqueror of Korea Empress Jingu and with other historical or mythical characters.