Der Begriff „Onmyōdō“ im historischen Kontext der Heian-Zeit (ca. 8. bis 11. Jahrhundert): Semantik und Relevanz der Praxis für den Hofadel im 10. und 11. Jahrhundert.
(Betreuung: Prof. Dr. Martin Lehnert, Prof. Dr. Klaus Vollmer)
Abstract (English)
The dissertation investigates the historical concept of Onmyōdō (陰陽道), a term known today primarily through its representation in popular culture. Across film, television, manga, anime, and video games, Onmyōdō is frequently depicted as a system of magic, occult powers, or spectacular supernatural practices. However, these modern visualizations bear little resemblance to the historical contexts in which the term originated. Popular media tend to simplify, dramatize, and aesthetically embellish historical subjects; in the case of Onmyōdō, this often results in exaggerations that incorporate fantastical and mythical elements. As these depictions are culturally influential, they significantly distort modern understandings of the pre-modern sources.
Consequently, this study aims to re-establish a historical perspective by identifying the specific sources in which the term appears and demonstrating the semantic breadth found within these texts. This approach highlights the extent to which historical usage diverges from later popular conceptions. A central objective of the dissertation is to refine the academic understanding of Onmyōdō based on existing scholarship and to analyze how the concept was specifically understood at the Heian-period imperial court. Furthermore, the research illuminates the historical relevance of the term for the court aristocracy, drawing attention to the distinct dichotomy between historical reality and narrative fiction.