Universe of The Four Gods: A Fushigi Yuugi Shrine

(Shown in picture from clockwise: Hotohori, Miaka, and Tamahome)

Welcome to my new, improved, Fushigi Yuugi shrine! It's actually just a mini-shrine, but i'll be adding and fixing more stuff later on. Well, enjoy!

The Story...

Fushigi Yuugi is a great anime which is getting more and more popular. It revolves around a 15 year old school girl, Miaka and her best friend, Yui, who are transported into ancient China when Miaka opens an ancient Chinese book, The Universe of the Four Gods. The story itself is an incantation. As the page is turned, the story becomes reality. It turns out that Miaka is now the legendary girl whose story is told in the book. She becomes Suzaku no Miko or for those of us who don't speak Japanese, the Maiden Priestess of Suzaku. Suzaku is the ruler of the southern heavens and the animal god protector of the southern country, Konan. He is represented by the fiery red phoenix or peacock. According to ancient traditions, the Suzaku no Miko is a girl who appears from another world whenever the empire is in threat of destruction. Once she gathers her Shichiseishin (Seven Star Constellation Warriors) together, she is able to summon Suzaku. Suzaku will then grant the Miko three wishes and Konan can be saved from the brink of annihilation.
The Suzaku Senshi are : Tamahome, Nuriko, Hotohori, Chichiri, Tasuki, Mitsukake, and Chiriko. They are named after the seven constellations that are found in the quandrant of the sky that Suzaku rules and are born with a character inscribed on their bodies denoting their constellation. The Suzaku Senshi each possess a special power. Whenever they use their powers to protect the Miko, their characters glow a vivid red. From the minute they met her, the Suzaku Senshi loved Miaka and were willing to do anything for her.
As it turns out, the world that Miaka has been transported to consists of four empires: southern Konan, eastern Kotou, northern Houkan, and western Sairou. Each country possessed their own version of The Universe of the Four Gods and worshipped a different animal god. The four gods each had a Miko (Priestess) and to protect the Miko are their Shichiseishin (Seven Star Warriors). To complicate matters a little, Miaka's best friend, Yui, was also transported to this world. Yui became the Seiryuu no Miko, the priestess of Seiryuu, god protector of the western country, Kotou. Seiryuu is represented by the blue dragon. Konan and Kotou were at war so the two friends found themselves facing off against each other. Believing herself to be abandoned by her best friend in this world and manipulated by her twisted Senshi, Nagako, Yui becomes the bitter enemy of Miaka. And the race is on! Overwhelmed by Kotou's vastly superior military forces, Konan's only hope lies in the Suzaku no Miko. Only Miaka can protect Konan and bring peace to the empire again with her wishes. As Kotou sent assassins after Miaka, only the powers of her Senshi kept her from being killed. Poor Miaka has no idea why her best friend is suddenly her worst nightmare. It seemed that the only way to restore their friendship and to get home to Tokyo was to summon Suzaku and have her wishes granted! There's alot more to this story but if I told you everything, it's not half as fun when you watch it! ^_^

The Characters...

Miaka Yuugi

Miaka is a kluzty and perpetually hungry girl. She was a typical student studying hard for her high school extrance exams. One day, she accompanied her best friend, Yui, to the National Library to return a book. While waiting for Yui, Miaka saw a fiery red phoenix in the stairwell. The phoenix seemed to be calling her. So, she followed its trail of red light upstairs to a room closed to the public. There, she found a book, The Universe of the Four Gods glowing red on the ground. Yui, who had followed Miaka upstairs, picked up the book. It was an ancient Chinese novel written in ancient Chinese. Being the scholar she was, Yui opened the book and read, "This is a story about a girl who got the seven seishi of Suzaku. She obtained omnipotent power and made her wishes come true. The story itself is an incantation. Whomever finishes reading it, will receive the power. As soon as the page is turned, the story will become the truth and begin." Suddenly, the book emmitted a red light and the two girls were drawn into the book. When Miaka and Yui awakened, they found themselves in the book! Many things happened to Miaka while she was in The Universe of the Four Gods. She experienced more tradgey and pain than she thought possible. But she also met the love of her life, Tamahome, there as well. Even as she yearned to go home, she couldn't imagine life without Tamahome and her Senshi. In the beginning, Miaka was just a young girl whose one prominent feature was her enormous appetite. She simply agreed to become the Suzaku no Miko because of the three wishes that would be granted to her. But when she saw how her Senshi protected her against harm at great risk to their own lives, she began to realize her duties. Miaka couldn't bear to think of her Senshi and friends suffering because of her again. She didn't think that she was worth such pain and effort on their part. She truly became the Suzaku no Miko and she will protect Konan and her Senshi even if it cost her life to do so. Miaka eventually becomes the epitome of courage, love and friendship. She is very cool and really courageous and selfless.

Tamahome

Tamhome was the first Suzaku Senshi that Miaka met although at that time, she didn't know where she was or who Suzaku was. When Miaka first appeared in this world, she found herself in the clutches of slavers. It was Tamahome who rescued her from a fate worse than death. Some people put forth the theory that this incident was not pure coincidence, rather that the Suzaku no Miko drew her Senshi to her instinctively. Imagine a young vulnerable girl, attacked by villians. Suddenly, a strange young man with the orge character inscribed on his forehead appears, punishes them and rescues you! Can there be any doubt of love at first sight for Miaka? ^_^ It didn't hurt that he's also VERY good looking and very skilled in marital arts! But don't think that Tamahome is perfect. There is a flaw....He's seriously materialistic!!! Mention money or paying him and he's all ears! As it turns out that the reason Tamahome values and works so hard for money is that he has a family to support. His father is bedridden and he has four younger brothers and sisters to support. They all depend on Tamahome to earn money for their daily needs. So, Tamahome looks for opportunities to make money whenever he can. Once, he jokingly tried to steal Miaka's stuff to sell. Tamahome works like a dog for money to send back home to his family. Perhaps he is perfect after all! Tamahome is, by nature, protective of those weaker than himself. Although he pretends that Miaka is nothing but a pain in the butt, Tamahome is very concerned about her. In the beginning, he hides his feelings for Miaka behind indifference and jokes. But when Miaka returned to her world, he realizes that he can't function without her. Their love transcends all the barriers and problems between them. It seems as if everyone is trying to kill poor Miaka. Tamahome puts his life on the line multiple times for Miaka. Although Miaka feels great pain and remorse for putting Tamahome in danger, his response was, "From the moment I've met you, I've lived only for you." Tamahome felt that his death would be acceptable if he could protect Miaka. Isn't he romantic? Kinda makes you wonder where your version of Tamahome is, doesn't it? Miaka and Tamahome are a match made in heaven despite the fact that Tamahome is a character in a book while Miaka is a real person. Only the gods can help them resolve this tragic star crossed love. Still, Miaka and Tamahome rules!! ^_^

Hotohori

Hotohori has to be my favorite character in Fushigi Yuugi! He is the most beautiful man in his empire and many agree (including myself) in the entire world! His most famous comment must be, "I'm so beautiful it's scary!". ^_^ A close second is when his ministers asked him to choose an Empress among the beautiful women in court. He refused and his reply to his ministers were, "I'm more beautiful than they are." Although Hotohori is vain, he's not really that vain!! He was just teasing his ministers. But don't think that just because he's the most beautiful man ever put on earth that he can't do anything else but look pretty! Ever since Hotohori was a young child, he was groomed to become the Emperor. He assumed the throne at a young age when most boys were busy getting into mischief and discovering girls. Despite his young age, Hotohori is a ruler who cared deeply about the welfare of his people. He's kind, gentle, considerate, honourable, compassionate, self-sacrificing, beautiful, well mannered and anything else you can think of! Belive me when I say this, he's really too good to be true. Alas, how poorly men in real life fare when compared to this paragon of masculine virtues and beauty. ^_^
Ever since he was a child, Hotohori was desperately lonely. When he first heard the story of the girl from another world, he believed with all his heart that this girl would end his loniness and fill his heart. When he met Miaka, she was everything he expected. Miaka was warm hearted, frank, friendly, impulsive and cared deeply about her friends. So, Hotohori embraced his duty as a Senshi of Suzaku. Although Miaka was in love with Tamahome, he was still desperately in love with her. He would give his life to protect Miaka and proves this several times. Tamahome and Miaka is a match made in heaven but I really wish that there can be another Miaka for Hotohori. He really deserves to be outrageously happy. As you watch Fushigi Yuugi, I'm sure that you will agree with me that Hotohori is the coolest and most beautiful man! ^_^

Nuriko

Nuriko is lovely, isn't she/he? When Miaka first met Nuriko, he was a cross dresser and was serving as a lady-in- waiting in the imperial palace. It was hate at first sight for Nuriko. Here he was, trying his best for months to get the attention of Hotohori! Then along comes this little snip of a girl who suddely becomes the center of attention and is respected and pampered by everyone! To make it worse, Hotohori and that handsome Suzaku Senshi, Tamahome, only seemed to have eyes for that girl! It was almost too much to bear!!!
At that time, no one knew that Nuriko was a Suzaku Senshi and a man! When Miaka and Tamahome were trapped under a collapsed building , it was Nuriko that saved them and revealed his status as a Senshi. His powers as a Senshi gave him phenomonal strength!! Within a matter of seconds, he singlehandedly cleared the rubble that would have taken a group of men hours to do so! Although Nuriko was a Suzaku Senshi, he was NOT about to pledge his loyalty and devotion to that upstart girl!! If Miaka wanted his protection and help, she was going to have to beg him first! Even though the Emperor, Hotohori, offered to command Nuriko into giving his aid, Miaka wanted to be able to get along with Nuriko by herself. After a clashing of wills, Miaka and Nuriko became friends. Strange, huh? Anyway, it wasn't until later that everyone found out that Nuriko was a man. But he was still persistant in his love for Hotohori. In fact, he even told Miaka to use one of her wishes to turn him into a woman so that he could comfort Hotohori!!!
As it turned out, the reason that Nuriko started cross dressing was because he didn't want to admit his sister's death. Nuriko had a younger sister whom he loved dearly. The two of them were so alike in looks that they could only be told apart by the beauty mark on Nuriko's face. When he was a young boy, his sister trampled to death by a horse. Nuriko simply couldn't accept the death of his beloved sister. When he wore her clothing, he felt that his sister was still alive and with him. So, he started to live the life that should have been his sister's if she was still alive. But after meeting Miaka and the rest of the Senshi, Nuriko was able to let go of the past and became the man that he truly was. He's still very vain about his looks!

Tasuki

Tasuki's flaming head of hair is a true indicator of his personality. This former leader of the bandits of Mount Lekeika is not the most patient and serene person you will ever meet. Far from it, Tasuki is fiery, hot tempered, impatient, reckless, rash, arrogant, and women hating (due to living with a domineering mother and countless sisters!!)! BUT he's also courageous and loyal to the end! Miaka first met Tasuki when he kidnapped her from his rival who had kidnapped her. Miaka, Nuriko, and Hotohori searching for the remaining Senshi in the region around the bandit infested region of Mt. Lekeika. So, when they were suddenly ambushed and captured by the bandits, Miaka knew that this was the perfect chance to find her Senshi. She gave strict instructions to Nuriko and Hotohori not to cause any trouble until she uncovered the identity of the Senshi. Since the bandits had mistakened Nuriko and Hotohori for beautiful maidens, they certainly didn't expect any trouble at all. So, they turned the Emperor of Konana into a serving girl!!! AND to Nuriko's shock, he was perfect in that role!!!! Perhaps, Nuriko isn't the only one who likes to cross dress!! ^_^
Meanwhile, Miaka was taken to see the bandit leader when she found herself "rescued" by Tasuki, the true leader of the bandits. As it turned out, the little fat bandit leader was an usurper who had taken the opportunity to seize power while Tasuki was away. Anyway, to annoy the old man, Tasuki decided to kidnap Miaka and ruin his fun. Good thing for Miaka, huh? At that time, he didn't know that she was the Suzaku no Miko and Miaka certainly didn't know that he was a Suzaku Senshi. Well, to make things brief, with the help of Miaka and her Senshi, Tasuki was able to get his magical iron fan back and booted the old guy out. After a series of events, Tasuki joined the rest of the Suzaku Senshi. Although Tasuki is ALWAYS cursing, brawling, and drinking, he's really a gentle person at heart. He just hides everything underneath a tough exterior but look beneath and you're find that he's really a softie! Tasuki is definitely the troublemaker of the group but he adds a spark of life that is very appealing!

Mitsukake

Mitsukake is probably the bravest, most compassionate and silent person in Fushigi Yuugi. (Naturally with the exceptions of Miaka, Tamahome, Hotohori and the rest of the Senshi! ^_^) Mitsukake is tall, dark, and handsome man and a man of few words!! How absolutely appealing!! ^_^ When Miaka first met Mitsukake, she was stricken by a fatal diasese caused by a demon. In that village, there was a mysterious girl, Shoka, who was able to resurrect the people who died from this diasese. (And yet, she wasn't able to cure it!!) The Suzaku Senshi were told that there was no cure for the diasese. The best thing to do was to end Miaka's suffering so Shoka could resurrect her. But they had one last straw to grasp. The Suzaku Senshi heard of a mysterious man who lived in the mountain that might be able to cure her, so they went looking for him. In the meantime, Miaka spotted a fresh fish that a fish vendor just dropped. Despite her weakened condition she immediately pounced on it only to find that someone else was also after that fish! Her appetite was such that despite her illness, she started brawling with a giant of a man over a fish!!!! Hotohori, Nuriko, and Tasuki stood there with their mouths agape. What an appetite Miaka had! ^_^ Anyway, the giant man turned out to be the mysterious doctor who might be able to cure Miaka. Miaka and the others asked for his help but they were vehemently rejected by Mitsukake who declared that he was no longer healed people.
Miaka and the others went back to the village, discouraged and afraid. There, they stayed at Shoka’s home and considered all their options. Miaka's agony was so intense that she finally asked Hotohori to grant her relief. But how could Hotohori kill Miaka whom he loved more than life itself?! So, the Suzaku Senshi left Miaka in the care of Shoka and went to see Mitsukake again. Hotohori actually went down on his knees and BEGGED Mitsukake to heal Miaka!! The others followed suit. But it was when they mentioned Shoka’s name that they finally got a reaction from Mitsukake. Mitsukake declared that it was impossible for them to have met Shoka. She died over a year ago!!! It was then when the Suzaku Senshi realized the danger that Miaka was in!! When they got back to Shoka’s house, they found the house surrounded by zombies and a demonic Shoka leaning over Miaka! It looked bad for Hotohori, Tasuki, and Nuriko but thanks to Mitskake’s sudden appearance, they were able to hold the zombies back.
As it turns out, Shoka was the fiancee of Mitsukake who had died a year ago from a fever while he was away in a distant village. By the time he rushed back, she was dead. After that, Mitsukake became a hermit living in the mountain above the town, eschewing all human contact and refusing to heal people. What use was his healing ability when he couldn't save the person he loved most? It turns out that Shoka’s body was possessed by a demon just when she was about to die. Her strong longing to see Mitsukake before she died drew the demon to her. All this time, she was waiting for Mitsukake to return while he became a hermit in the mountains. The demon began to overpower Shoka, feeding on the villagers and causing their deaths. When Shoka saw Mitsukake again, her heart’s desire was fulfilled and she realized that this damned existence had to end. She begged Mitsukake to kill her, giving her peace while also saving the villagers and Miaka from her. Can you imagine having to kill the person that you love most in the world in order to end their suffering? Well, Hotohori couldn't and he's the ideal man!! Mitsukake always puts other people's suffering above his own. Regardless of the pain and torment such an action would cause him, he decided to help Shoka. Mitsukake is so selfless! He's a man who is innately gentle and concerned about others. It was the shock of Shoka's death that made him so bitter. Mitsukake lived to help people and his dedication as a physician is beyond words! I give him two thumbs up!! ^_^

Chichiri

Chichiri is the blue haired monk with the strange speech pattern. At 24 years of age, Chichiri is the oldest out of the Suzaku Seishi. He is, in many ways, the man among the boys and the silent leader who gets everything done. Conversely, he can also be the most hilarous character for his sense of humor, his strange way of talking, and the fact that he is the one character shown in SD while everyone else is normal.

Chiriko

The youngest out of the seven Seishi, Chiriko, is an extremely bright child. He's 13 years old, but looks even younger, a fact that he's aware of. He seems to look up greatly to strong male figures, and has a special attachment to Tasuki.

Powers of the Seishi

Tamahome

Without a doubt, the strongest of the seven Suzaku Seishi is Tamahome, whose ability is fighting. He was trained by Tokaki, one of the Seishi of Byakko, when he was young. While his expertise (and preference) is in open-handed fighting, it has been evidenced that Tamahome can effectively wield both nuchaku and a sword.

Hotohori

Hotohori is another Seishi whose main ability is fighting. Because he was raised as the Crown Prince, he was trained in swordfighting. When the Seishi were given a power-up from Taitsukun, he recieved a shinken or a "gods sword" which can be used as a conventional sword and later seems to be able to be used as a conductor of spiritual energy.

Nuriko

While Nuriko has no "official" fighting ability, Nuriko demonstrates a very interesting power: super human strength.

Chichiri

The sole magic user among the Suzaku Seishi, Chichiri wields a vast amount of power, second only to Tamahome among the Seishi. His common spells include teleportation (both himself and others,) transformation (primarily himself,) and offensive ki (chi) blasts. He also has defensive spells (barriers) that he can use to protect himself as well as others around him.

Tasuki

Like Tamahome and Hotohori, Tasuki's main power lies in his ability to fight. However, he is adept at both hand to hand fighting as well as fighting with a tessen (iron fan) which can flame his enemy at the incantation LEKKA SHINEN

[Tasuki] Sorry Tama! *snerk*

Mitsukake

Mitsukake has the ability to heal any malady, but he can only heal once a day. Furthermore, he cannot raise the dead.

Chiriko

The youngest of the Seishi, Chiriko's ability is not so obvious in the anime. He is very intelligent, but most of that intelligence comes from the character on his foot. If ever he loses that character, he becomes your typical 13-year old (crybaby) boy.

The Shin Ji Ten Chi Sho

Also known as The Book (because typing all that out all the time tends to get tiring!) This is probably the most important object in the whole story. The Book has two forms: the book that is in the National Library which is read first by Yui and then by Keisuke and Tetsuya; and the scroll form. The Book was given to the Emperor of each of the four countries(Hokkan, Kutou, Konan, Sairo) in the beginning by Taitsukun, the overseer of the world, and is an important part of the calling of the country's protectorate god.
In scroll form Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho provides essential clues for Suzaku no Miko on the whereabouts of her Seishi. Once all seven Seishi are found, the scroll is to be burned in the fire during the ceremony to call Suzaku.
In book form, in the Real World, Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho provides a very important link between the two worlds in that it allows the reader to see what is happening to the Miko as it unfolds. The Miko lives life day to day and the reader reads those happenings as they happen.

The Four Miko

The Miko are possibly the most important part of the whole Fushigi Yuugi world. A Miko acts as an intercessor between the god and the people, and play a very key role in the calling of the gods.
Do Miko have to be girls? Yes. By the very nature of the word (if you look at the kanji that is,) Miko are female. Fushigi Yuugi is not the only series that you'll hear the word "Miko" in... in a lot of anime and manga, the priestesses are "Miko."
In the Fushigi Yuugi world, there are four Miko, one for each of the Four Gods.

Genbu no Miko: Takiko Oukuda

Takiko was the first of the Miko. Her father was Einosuke Oukuda, the man who originally brought the book from China to Japan. Her saga takes place approximately 200 years (book time) before Suzaku no Miko.

Byakko no Miko: Suzuno Ousugi
Suzuno Ousugi was the 2nd of the Miko to appear in the book. Her father was the one entrusted with keeping the book after Einosuke Oukda's death. Suzuno was subsequently absorbed into the book, but completed her adventures unscathed. Her saga takes place about 90 years (book time) before Suzaku no Miko.

Seiryuu no Miko: Yui Hongou
Suzaku no Miko: Miaka Yuuki

Miaka and Yui stumbled upon the book in the National Library, where it was being kept in a room closed to the public. While they were initially absorbed at the same time, they became Miko at different times. Yui did not agree to becoming Seiryuu no Miko until 3 months after she had been in the world inside the book.

The Universe of the Four Gods

The Seishi of Fushigi Yuugi is actually based of ancient Chinese starlore, which divides the sky into four sections based on direction, each governed by an animal diety.
Yuu Watase, creator of Fushigi Yuugi had thought up the story several years before she actually began the story. "I wanted to use this idea, and then I came up with the idea of the seven Suzaku seishi." (From Animerica magazine, vol. 6, no. 1)
In Fushigi Yuugi, as in the starlore, the gods are as follows from the four directions

The Four Gods...

Genbu The Tortise
Hokkan - Northern Country

Byakko The Tiger
Sairo - Western Country

Seiryuu The Dragon
Kutou - Eastern Country

Suzaku The Phoenix
Konan - Southern Country

There has been much talk on exactly whether or not Suzaku is a Phoenix or not. Fansubs have said that the name Suzaku translates into "red sparrow" or "red peacock." Having spoken to native japanese speakers, Suzaku is also the word for "phoenix."
The interpretation of Genbu is also open ended. While it's listed as Tortise, Genbu is more like a tortise and a serpent. But it's listed here as Tortise for simplicity reasons.
Each of these four gods have seven constellations (seishuku) that are dedicated to them in each of these quadrants. In the story of Fushigi Yuugi, these are the names of the Seishi, the seven protectors of the Miko (Priestess) of that quadrant.

As far as the story of Fushigi Yuugi goes, the following is a complete listing of Seishi. For those whose powers are known, their powers are listed. However, because this a complete listing of Seishi, and not all Seishi were not characterized in Fushigi Yuugi, only the names and kanji are listed for them. (This is especially true for Genbu and Byakko, who had very few Seishi in the story of Fushigi Yuugi.)

The Seven Seishi of Suzaku

Chichiri Well / right knee Magic Tamahome Ogre / forehead Fighting (open handed) Nuriko Willow / right chest Strength Hotohori Star / neck Fighting (sword) Chiriko Stretching / right foot Wisdom Tasuki Wings / right wrist Fighting (iron fan) Mitsukake Saddness / left palm Healing

The Seven Seishi of Seiryuu

Suboshi Horn Fighting (Ryuuseisui) Amiboshi Throat Ki manipulation (flute) Tomo Root Illusion magic Soi Chamber Lighting, ki manipultion (sex) Nakago Heart / forehead Magic, fighting Ashitare Tail Fighting Miboshi Basket / neck Possession magic

The Seven Seishi of Byakko

Tokaki Foot Fighting Tatara Lasso Plant control Kokie Stomach -- Subaru United Time control Amefuri Net -- Karasuki Investigator -- Toroki Turtle Snout --

Tokaki, Subaru, and Tatara are the only Byakko Seishi to have appeared in the Fushigi Yuugi story. They are play a key role in the happenings in Sairo.

The Seven Seishi of Genbu

Hikitsu Dipper / Right Eye Ice control Inami Cow -- Uruki Woman -- Tomite Emptiness Fighting (ki rings) Urumiya Steep -- Hatsui Room -- Namame Wall --

Hikitsu and Tomite were shown in Fushigi Yuugi episode #34. Two more Genbu seishi (Hatsui and the other remained unnamed) were shown very briefly in 1st OAV series #3.

Well, that's it for now! Thanks for your visit!