Shinzaho (Holy Throne) is an artifact that is required to summon a beast god if at least one Celestial Warrior dies and/or cannot complete their duties. It is featured in both Fushigi Yuugi: The Mysterious Play, Fushigi Yuugi: Genbu Kaiden, and the light novel Sanbou Den.
Background[]
During the summoning ceremony, a Priestess must select an item on her person to become the Shinzaho. The item, which is typically jewelry, then is imbued with a Priestess' qi/chi when she is most powerful. On its own, a Shinzaho can be a beautiful artifact, but in the hands of another Priestess, its true abilities awaken. The concentrated power is ideal for a summoning ceremony that is short a handful of warriors.
After the beast god is summoned, the Shinzaho must be taken to a shrine dedicated to the Priestess and her corresponding god. If a warrior dies, their spirits are guided by Taiitsukun to guard the shrine, however, a living warrior can volunteer. If a priestess wishes to possess a Shinzaho, they must prove themselves worthy to the warriors standing guard through a physical, mental, or emotional trial, or even a show of compassion.
Artifacts[]
Genbu[]
The Shinzaho of Genbu first appears in Genbu Kaiden. Gifted to Taikiko by Oracle Anlu, it is a necklace has the ability to detect the location of the remaining Celestial Warriors of Genbu. After Taikiko summons Genbu, the necklace transforms into a Shinzaho. It is taken to a shrine on the peak of Mt. Kokureishin in the capital city of Hokkan, Touran, where the spirits of Tomite and Hikitsu stand guard.
In the original series, the necklace becomes one of the Shinzahos required in order to summon Suzaku and Seiryuu. After Nuriko gives his life opening the entrance of the shrine, Miaka and the remaining Suzaku Warriors meet the two Genbu Warriors. She passes their trial and receives the Shinzaho.
Byakko[]
In Byakko Senki, the Priestess of Byakko, Suzuno, picks a hand mirror to hold during the summoning ceremony. This item becomes Byakko's Shinzaho and is is guarded by one of the Byakko warriors, Tatara, after Suzuno leaves the world. The Shinzaho is hidden inside a seed that Tatara carries, which can only sprout at his will. When Miaka convinces the warrior that her desire to mend her friendship with Yui is true, the seed blooms and, inside a beautiful flower, sits the Shinzaho.
Suzaku[]
Miaka's Shinzaho is first revealed in the first OVA as the ring she wore when she and Tamahome had an unofficial wedding.
Miaka had a second Shinzaho which was revealed in Fushigi Yuugi Eikoden as her and Taka's unborn child. In the second OVA, it was shown that she and Tamahome once again called Suzaku to completely seal Tenkou away, creating another Shinzaho.
Mayo Sakaki's "shinzaho" is a ring on her finger.
Seiryuu[]
The Shinzaho of Seiryuu is revealed in Fushigi Yuugi Novels: Sanbou Den (The Legend of the Three Talisman), it is the teardrop earring from the summoning ceremony of Seiryuu. Nakago's spirit is the guardian of the Seiryuu's shinzaho.
References[]
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Artifacts | The Universe of the Four Gods (book) • Holy Scrolls • Shinzaho • Jewels of Memory • Life Stones • Origin Stone • Einosuke's Letter | ||
Weapons | Tessen • Ryuseisui • Holy Sword • Naginata • Shin • Amiboshi's Flute • Nuriko's Bracelets • Fuugui | ||
Substances | Kodoku • Forgetfulness Leaves • Toka Seeds • Nigihakari • Mitsukake's Medicine • Nuriko Special |