Kojiki (Chamberlain, 1882)/Section 59

by Ō no Yasumaro

[Sect. LIX.—Emperor Kō-an.]

His Augustness Oho-yamato-tanashi-hiko-kuni-oshi-bito dwelt in the palace of Akidzushima at Muro^[1] in Kadzuraki, and ruled the Empire. This Heavenly Sovereign wedded his niece Her Augustness Princess Oshika,^[2] and begot august children: His Augustness Oho-kibi-no-moro-susumi,^[3] next His Augustness Oho-yamato-ne-ko-hiko-futo-ni^[4] (two Deities). So His Augustness Oho-yamato-ne-ko-hiko-futo-ni [was he who afterwards] ruled the Empire. The Heavenly Sovereign’s august years were one hundred and twenty-three. His august mausoleum is on the Mound of Tamade.^[5]

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1. In Yamato. Muro signifies “cave” or “pit.” Aki-dzu-shima, “the Island of the Dragon-Fly,” is frequently used as an alternative name of Japan (see Sect. V, Note 26). See also the Emperor Yū-riyaku’s song given in Sect. CLVI.
2. Oshika-hime-no-mikoto. The name Oshika, which is obscure, appears in the “Chronicles” under the form of Oshi, which has generally been interpreted by Motowori (whom the translator follows) as a corruption of ohoshi, “great.” This version of the name makes it harmonize with that of the Princess’s father.
3. See Sect. LX, Note 11.
4. This name seems to signify “Great Yamato’s Lord Prince, the Vast Jewel.”
5. Tamade no woka. In Yamato. For this name see Motowori’s Commentary, Vol. XXI, pp. 37–38.