Yatagarasu Series
Volume 8:
The Raven's Reminiscence
Author: Abe Chisato
Glossary
Yamauchi: A vast land that legend states was founded by the mountain god. The imperial family of Souke governs Yamauchi. The leader of the Souke family is the emperor, also called the Golden Raven. The eastern, western, southern, and northern territories of Yamauchi are each governed by one of four influential imperial branch families: Touke, Saike, Nanke and Hokke.
Yatagarasu: The inhabitants of Yamauchi. They hatch from eggs and can transform into ravens, but usually live in human form. The noble class, especially those living in the Imperial Palace and the city around it, are called miyagarasu or palace ravens. Those who live in towns and engage in commerce and other trades are known as satogarasu or village ravens. Commoners who work in agriculture and related industries in rural areas are called yamagarasu or mountain ravens.
Sun Palace: The Crown Prince’s residence, Shouyougu (literally “invitation to sunlight palace.”) It is also connected to the Shishinden (literally “large purple hall,” with purple being designated an exclusively imperial color). The Shishinden is the central hall of the Imperial Court where political activities are conducted. The Shishinden is referred to in the text as the Imperial Hall.
Sakura Palace: This wing of the Imperial Palace functions similarly to the Inner Palace, where the consorts of the crown prince reside. Daughters of powerful noble families move here as candidates to become brides before officially entering the Imperial Court. This process is known as the Rite of Ascension. Those who are chosen by the crown prince here become his wives, and after selection, the primary wife serves as the Princess of Sakura Palace.
The Valley: An underground society where establishments such as pleasure quarters and gambling dens are permitted. The Valley differs from mainstream society in a variety of ways. It is a self-governing organization with its own established rules.
Yamauchishu: The imperial family’s elite guard. They are trained at a rigorous military institution called the Keisōin. Those who excel in their training guard the imperial family personally.
Keisōin: Literally “Unbending Reed Academy.” Boys aged fifteen to seventeen enter the Academy as Seeds, the lowest-ranked cadets. They progress through the ranks, becoming Seeds, Saplings, and finally Trees.
Aerial Army of Heaven: Urintengun, literally “The Feather Grove Heavenly Hosts,” is Yamauchi’s flying cavalry military unit; it is commanded by the Lord of Hokke. This fighting force is referred to in the text as the Aerial Army of Heaven.
Forbidden Gate: A gate leading to the mountain god’s realm. Connects to the White Raven’s Hall in Yamauchi, where the remains of past true Golden Ravens are interred in stone coffins.
Palace Above the Clouds: A religious place where former emperors who have taken the tonsure reside; former empresses may also dwell there. Temples and shrines are clustered densely all around it.
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