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Definition of journey

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of journey  (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

transitive verb

Did you know?

The Latin adjective diurnus means “pertaining to a day, daily”; English diurnal stems ultimately from this word. When Latin developed into French, diurnus became a noun, jour, meaning simply “day” The medieval French derivative journee meant either “day” or “something done during the day,” such as work or travel. Middle English borrowed journee as journey in both senses, but only the sense “a day’s travel” survived into modern usage. In modern English, journey now refers to a trip without regard to the amount of time it takes. The verb journey developed from the noun and is first attested in the 14th century.

• peregrination
• peregrinate

Examples of journey in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'journey.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French jurnee day, day's journey, from jur day, from Late Latin diurnum , from Latin, neuter of diurnus — see journal entry 1

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

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Dictionary Entries Near journey

journal voucher

journey-bated

Cite this Entry

“Journey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/journey. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of journey.

Kids Definition of journey  (Entry 2 of 2)

Middle English journey "a trip, travel," from early French journee "day's work, day's journey," from jour "day," derived from Latin diurnus "of a day, daily," from dies "day" — related to diary , journal

More from Merriam-Webster on journey

Nglish: Translation of journey for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of journey for Arabic Speakers

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[ jur -nee ]

a six-day journey across the desert.

Synonyms: tour , jaunt , excursion

a desert journey.

a week's journey.

the journey to success.

verb (used without object)

Synonyms: peregrinate , rove , roam

/ ˈdʒɜːnɪ /

• a travelling from one place to another; trip or voyage
• the distance travelled in a journey
• the time taken to make a journey
• intr to make a journey

Discover More

Derived forms.

• ˈjourneyer , noun

Other Words From

• journey·er noun
• outjourney verb (used with object) outjourneyed outjourneying

Word History and Origins

Origin of journey 1

Synonym Study

Example sentences.

If either is selected, it would not launch until 2026 at the earliest, and would take at least a few months to make the journey.

The job is a cherry on top, but the journey and the experience of being able to audition and leave your heart in the room and feel good about it, no matter what happens, that’s rare and that was amazing.

Cross-device measurement helps connect the dots of your customer’s journey and ensures you know how effective your campaigns are at driving user behavior.

You are somewhat of a new grandmother and you’ve been enjoying that journey.

Instead of having numerous articles addressing each of these particular questions, brands and publishers could consolidate this information as it is all pertinent to the same stage of the journey that the user is in.

The brokers then scout out potential “crew members” who can earn substantial discounts for working the journey.

The next day, after driving to Putney on the outskirts of London, we start the end of our journey.

The NYPD Emerald Society pipes and drums struck up a slow march and the procession began the journey to the cemetery.

We began a journey with Koenig in the first episode of Serial.

But the sunlight is threatening to fade and a three-and-a-half-hour river journey back to Kisangani looms.

With a hammer the boy knocked off some of the slats of the small box in which Squinty had made his journey.

Then summoning a smart young jemadar with whom he had talked a good deal during the journey, he asked him to read the chit.

But dismissing them from our thoughts for the time being, as we did then from our presence, let us continue our journey.

If the journey is now distasteful to her, she has but her own rashness to blame in having sought it herself.

It was past sundown when they left San Bernardino, but a full moon made the night as good as day for their journey.

Related Words

• exploration

What Is The Plural Of Journey?

Plural word for  journey.

The plural form of journey is journeys (not journies ). Words that end with a – y preceded by a vowel ( a, e, i, o, u ) are made plural by adding an -s at the end, as in chimney / chimneys and monkey / monkeys . 

This can be confusing, because the plural form of words that end with a – y and are preceded by a consonant is made by changing the ending to -ies , as in party / parties , candy / candies , and duty / duties .

More About Journey

What does  journey mean.

A journey is a trip, especially one to a faraway place that takes place over a long period of time.

The word trip can refer to any instance of traveling from one place to another, no matter how long or short it is. The word journey , though, typically implies a long trip—one that’s at least several hours, and perhaps several months or even years. It also often implies adventure—a journey might even be a quest . A journey may or may not have a planned destination other than whatever lies ahead.

The word is also commonly used in a figurative way to liken any lengthy process or progress to such a trip, as in Life is a journey, with many interesting detours. 

Journey can also be used as a verb meaning to make a long trip, as in We must journey to the land beyond the mountains.

Example: My favorite books are about people who make epic journeys around the world.

Where does  journey come from?

The first records of the word journey come from around the 1200s. It comes from the Middle English word journee , meaning “day,” ultimately from unattested Vulgar Latin diurnāta , meaning “a day’s time” or “a day’s work.” In English, the meaning of the word journey originally meant something like “a day’s travel,” but eventually came to mean “a long trip.”

A journey can last a day but the word usually refers to longer trips. The word is sometimes preceded with the mode of transportation that’s used, as in The city is reachable only by a long train journey. Discussion of journeys often involves their destination or purpose. When people say, “It’s the journey , not the destination,” they mean that the significance and value of a journey is what happens along the way, from moment to moment, as opposed to the achievement of its ultimate goal.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to journey ?

• journeyer (noun)
• outjourney (verb)

What are some synonyms for journey ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with journey ? 

What are some words that often get used in discussing journey ?

• destination

How is  journey used in real life?

Journey is very commonly used in a figurative way.

I ask you to accompany me on my journey to Chile and Peru in your prayers. — Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 15, 2018

Life is indeed a journey. Successful is he who can navigate the ups and downs without losing his balance. Don’t dwell on your past, don’t wallow in self-pity, don’t repeat your mistakes, don’t focus on negativity, help others along the way, spread kindness wherever you go! — Mufti Menk (@muftimenk) August 17, 2020

Some people around us will not understand our journey. They don’t need to; it’s not for them — Paulo Coelho (@paulocoelho) May 4, 2019

Try using  journey !

Which of the following words is a synonym of journey ?

A. voyage B. trip C. trek D. all of the above

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Definition of journey noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

Questions about grammar and vocabulary?

Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.

• trip an act of traveling from one place to another, and usually back again: a business trip a five-minute trip by taxi
• journey an act of traveling from one place to another, especially when they are far apart: a long and difficult journey across the mountains
• A trip usually involves you going to a place and back again; a journey is usually one-way. A trip is often shorter than a journey , although it does not have to be: a trip to New York a round-the-world trip. It is often short in time, even if it is long in distance. Journey is more often used when the traveling takes a long time and is difficult.
• tour a journey made for pleasure during which several different places are visited: a tour of California
• commute the regular trip that a person makes when they travel to work and back home again: a two-hour commute into downtown Washington
• expedition an organized journey with a particular purpose, especially to find out about a place that is not well known: the first expedition to the South Pole
• excursion a short trip made for pleasure, especially one that has been organized for a group of people: We went on an all-day excursion to the island.
• outing a short trip made for pleasure or education, usually with a group of people and lasting no more than a day: My project team organized an afternoon outing to celebrate.
• an overseas trip/journey/tour/expedition
• a bus/train trip/journey/tour
• to go on a(n) trip/journey/tour/expedition/excursion/outing
• to set out/off on a(n) trip/journey/tour/expedition/excursion
• to take a(n) trip/journey/expedition/excursion

Other results

Nearby words.

What Happens on a Spiritual Journey? 5 Stages You Will Experience

Going on a spiritual journey can be exciting, but it can also be an overwhelming experience. Many unexpected things can happen on a spiritual journey, and it can be a completely different experience from person to person. So, what happens on a spiritual journey?

Things to Know:

• A spiritual journey is a deeply personal and individual experience. ✓
• There are five stages: Soul Searching, Awakening, Facing Your Fears, Rebirth, and Applying Your Wisdom. However, not everyone will experience all these stages. ✓
• When embarking on a spiritual journey, it’s important to be cautious of ‘greedy gurus’ who may try to take advantage of your vulnerability. ✓

Table of Contents

What Is a Spiritual Journey?

A spiritual journey is a personal exploration of self and life. It’s embarked upon for personal growth, inner peace, and self-understanding . This journey can lead to self-discovery or answers to life’s profound questions. It often culminates in a deeper self-awareness or a spiritual awakening, recognizing the interconnectedness of all life.

5 Stages You’ll Experience on a Spiritual Journey

Stage 1 – soul searching.

The first stage of a spiritual journey is soul searching, which is when you decide whether to embark on this journey or not. This stage is often met with a lot of confusion and consideration. You begin your inward search and ask questions like:

• “Who am I?”
• “What am I here on Earth to do?”
• “What is the purpose of Life?”

As you start to seek answers to your questions, your thoughts and actions will likely change too.

Beneficial Practices for Stage 1: Trust me, journaling is a game-changer during the soul-searching stage. Pouring your thoughts, feelings, and questions onto paper can bring so much clarity. And don’t underestimate the power of nature and quiet reflection – they’re your allies in this journey. I can’t stress enough how much daily reflection has cleared my mind during my own soul-searching stage.

Stage 2 – Awakening

The second stage of a spiritual journey is the awakening stage. Now is the time when you’ll begin to see the world differently, and many once confusing things will now make sense to you. You’ll become more self-aware and start to see things through a spiritual lens.

This stage is often compared to waking up from a dream and seeing the world around you more clearly. You can now break down your life experiences into different levels of understanding and interpretation.

At this point, you may find yourself drifting away from friends , hobbies, and other interests that don’t fit into your new spiritual beliefs. If this happens, don’t worry because you will find new like-minded people and interests on your new journey.

Beneficial Practices for Stage 2: This is where mindfulness practices really shine. Meditation, yoga, breathwork – they’re all going to help you cultivate a deeper awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Meditation, in part

Stage 3 – Facing your fears

The third stage of a spiritual journey is all about facing your fears and seeing the good, bad, dark, and light. During this stage, you will find that you can let go of things that were holding you back.

You need to be strong and have faith in yourself because you will go through a lot at this stage, but it will all be worth it when you reach the end of your transformation.

Beneficial Practices for Stage 3: Brace yourself – this stage is all about confronting and releasing old fears and limiting beliefs. Therapeutic practices, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or trauma-informed yoga, can be a lifeline. And don’t forget about journaling – it’s been a crucial tool for me to understand and face my fears.

Stage 4 – Rebirth

The fourth stage of a spiritual journey is rebirth, and this is when you will start to become who you were destined to be. You will find that you are more confident, positive, and ready to take on the world. You’ll want to start living your life with a newfound purpose and direction.

The rebirth stage can also bring new, like-minded people into your life. I think this is one of the most positive stages of the spiritual journey because it brings happiness and contentment into your life.

Beneficial Practices for Stage 4: This is your time to shine! Engage in practices that nurture your sense of self and your connection with the world. Spend time in nature, get creative, practice self-care. Nurturing my body through healthy eating and regular exercise has been a game-changer in my own rebirth stage.

Stage 5 – Applying your wisdom

The final stage of a spiritual journey is applying the new wisdom you have gained to your everyday life. This stage is when everything falls into place, and you realize that everything in life happens for a reason and things never stay the same forever.

You will find that you can see the bigger picture and know that each experience is helping you become who you were always meant to be.

Beneficial Practices for Stage 5: This is the grand finale of your spiritual journey – applying your newfound wisdom to your everyday life. Mindful living, conscious decision-making, teaching, and guiding others – it’s all part of the journey. Sharing my experiences and insights with others has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey.

Final thoughts

Starting on a spiritual journey is exciting and new, and you will learn a lot from it. Having a clear understanding of what you hope to get out of it and what your spiritual journey means to you will help keep you on the right path. Integrate what you have learned into your day-to-day life to make changes that will move your life forward. Remember, spirituality is a life-long journey, so make sure you enjoy it.

• https://www.wikihow.com/Go-on-a-Spiritual-Journey
• https://lonerwolf.com/spiritual-journey/
• https://chopra.com/articles/the-7-stages-of-spiritual-development

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How to Go on a Spiritual Journey

Last Updated: September 29, 2022 Approved

This article was co-authored by Jessica Elliott, ACC, CEC . Jessica Elliott is a Certified Executive Coach and multi-passionate entrepreneur. She's the founder of LIFETOX, where she hosts mindful experiences and retreats, and J Elliott Coaching, which she provides executive consulting for professionals, teams, and organizations. Jessica has had over fifteen years experience as an entrepreneur and over five years of executive coaching experience. She received her ACC (Associate Certified Coach) accreditation through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and her CEC (Certified Executive Coach) accreditation through Royal Roads University. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 11 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 250,866 times.

A spiritual journey is a journey you would take to find out who you are, what your problems are in life, and how to come to peace with the world. The purpose of a spiritual journey is rarely to find an answer; rather, it is a process of continually asking questions. This article will not tell you what your spiritual journey should look like, but will give you tools that you may find important in structuring your journey.

Setting Spiritual Goals

• You are ultimately responsible for the direction of your journey. If one of the steps in this guide produce stress or harm for you, skip it for the time being and find an alternative that helps you contemplate your life.
• No religion has a monopoly on truth. If a religion or its followers begin to control or scare you, consider backing up and consulting a different source.

• Such practice is often referred to as keeping a "mindfulness journal." [3] X Research source Its purpose is to reveal to you the thought patterns that govern your life, possibly negatively, so that you may focus on transforming them.

• Prioritize what interests you intellectually as well as emotionally; think about what you are curious about, as well as what you might change to live a healthier life. Spiritual journeys can incorporate both intellectual and emotional aspects of your life.

Using Spiritual Practices

• Yoga can add a physical component to contemplation and can help you in clarifying your spiritual goals.
• There are many different variations on meditation. They can be learned and practiced in social settings, whether they be spiritual meetups or regularly-meeting meditation groups led by an expert. These meetups are often free to attend, or ask for a small donation.

• Exercise needn't be exhausting. Moderate exercise, spread out throughout the week, can keep one's body fit and in shape. [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source

• Reflective spaces may incorporate images, icons, and posters, smells (such as incense or flowers), and either silence or meditative music.

• Many of these plants are illegal to possess or cultivate in the United States.
• Psychedelic drugs are notorious for carrying the risk of a "bad trip," which may spiritually confuse or disorient users. Psychoactives can still be largely beneficial when used in a sparing, informed, and limited capacity.

• Some sacred places are associated with sacred events, such as the Hajj. It may make more sense to time your visit with religious calendars.

• The spiritual journey is there to serve you, and though it may not be comfortable at times, you should be able to see how it is improving your relationship to yourself, others, and your sense of compassion.

Consulting Spiritual Sources

• You may want to accompany your studies with educational courses. Universities, community colleges, and continuing education centers offer courses in the history of religious practices and texts.
• If you do read scholarly texts alongside sacred texts, be aware that there is a difference between theology and "religious studies." Religious studies can be thought of as studying religion from its outside, while theology is often written by practitioners of that religion. [19] X Research source

• Other civic institutions may have a chaplain on staff who are skilled guides when it comes to certain topics, such as grief or loss.
• Such institutions include hospitals or army outposts, but you may need to be a regular user of their services to consult with their chaplain.

• Avoid figures that actively request financial support, promise reliable answers, or who seem to be selling something. Oftentimes, they are not counting your spiritual journey as a priority.
• If you can afford it, traveling to retreats, camps, and spiritual meetups can be a healthy way to expand your horizons and meet new people.

• Not only is this a way to find mentors, this is also may lead you to mentoring others, which can enrich your journey.

Community Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://goodlifezen.com/how-to-embark-on-a-spiritual-journey/
• ↑ Zachary Rainey. Ordained Minister. Expert Interview. 19 May 2019.
• ↑ http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/how_to_create_and_use_a_mindfulness_journal
• ↑ http://www.johnpaulcaponigro.com/blog/9419/all-religions-practice-forms-of-meditation-meditation-is-a-universal-practice/
• ↑ http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/6-19.htm
• ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/pages/mental-benefits-of-exercise.aspx
• ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20057916
• ↑ http://www.groupinstitute.com/useruploads/files/reflective_space_description1_2017.pdf
• ↑ http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/02/09/trip-treatment
• ↑ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/11124420/The-worlds-most-spiritual-places.html?frame=3053376
• ↑ Jessica Elliott, ACC, CEC. Certified Executive Coach. Expert Interview. 12 February 2020.
• ↑ https://lonerwolf.com/spiritual-journey/
• ↑ https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/blog/theology-vs-religious-studies

About This Article

A spiritual journey can be a deeply personal and moving experience. While you can’t fully plan for a spiritual journey, there are some important tools you can use to help you make the most of it. Start by considering why you want to go on this journey. For instance, maybe you’re hoping to overcome a challenge in your life, or maybe you’re looking for personal transformation. No matter the reason, you’ll probably want to keep track of your feelings and set some goals for your journey. For example, if you want to become calmer and less angry, you might set time out of your day to simply sit and breathe deeply. Keep in mind that many spiritual journeys are lifelong affairs, so it's important to focus on small goals. No matter what you want to accomplish, find time each day to meditate and reflect in a calm, quiet spot. Make sure to take inventory of your thoughts, feelings, fears, and expectations as you go so you can learn and improve. To learn how to find spiritual support, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Definition of 'journey'

journey in American English

Journey in british english, examples of 'journey' in a sentence journey, related word partners journey, trends of journey.

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Meaning of journey – Learner’s Dictionary

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• a thirty-minute journey
• the first leg of the journey
• The journey will take an hour at the most.
• Allow three hours for the journey.
• The journey itself was fairly uneventful .

(Definition of journey from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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Single Tube ticket rises to £6.70 under Sadiq Khan – double the price of contactless

T he price of a cash ticket for a single Tube journey in central London has risen by 37pc under Sadiq Khan’s leadership, more than double the cost of commuting by card. 

In 2016, when Mr Khan was first elected Mayor of London, a single journey cash ticket – meaning a paper ticket bought by cash or card – cost £4.90 in central London, but today the cost is £6.70. When paying with a contactless card or oyster card, the same zone one journey costs £2.80 at peak time and £2.70 off peak . 

Prices for both contactless and card travel have been rising steadily over the past decade but in 2022 Mr Khan put in place a blanket price for all cash single tickets at £6.70 for all of London. It means that those paying by cash now pay double the amount paid by card users in the centre of the capital for a single journey both on and off peak. 

Figures from Transport for London (TfL) show that around 66 million journeys a year – about 2pc of all journeys – are taken via single paper ticket. Buses in London haven’t accepted cash for 10 years, requiring travellers to buy a prepaid ticket or use a contactless form of payment. 

Martin Quinn, of campaign group the Payment Choice Alliance, accused the Mayor of “forcing people to go cashless”. 

He said: “The shocking disparity between cash tickets and pay-as-you-go fares shows the contempt that Transport for London and the Mayor have for Londoners and, let’s face it, tourists who may not have contactless cards and want to purchase tickets using cash. Why should they be penalised and forced to go cashless”. 

Mr Khan has frozen all TfL prices until March 2025 , in a move that he says will save Londoners up to £90 a year. Fares were previously frozen from 2016-2021, however funding reductions as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic meant they needed to rise again. 

Prices for single ticket “cash” fares and Oyster pay-as-you-go fares have differed since 2003. Mr Khan introduced contactless bank card payments in 2014. 

About 20pc of all journeys on the Tube network are not paid for using contactless options. This includes single tickets, travelcards, bus passes and Oyster pay-as-you-go top-ups. 

Labour’s Mr Khan has served two terms as Mayor of London, arriving at City Hall in 2016. Londoners went to the polls on 2 May to elect a Mayor for the next four-year term and Greater London Assembly. The last Savanta survey for Centre for London ahead of the vote put Mr Khan on a 42pc share of the vote, ahead of Tory candidate Susan Hall on 32pc. 

Mayors have legal powers to impose a levy, known as a “mayoral precept”, on the populations they serve. Londoners have seen a 71pc surge in “Sadiq’s stealth tax” . Families in London are currently charged an average of £471 per household, which is the highest figure in the country for this type of tax. The levy has increased from an average of £276 when Sadiq Khan took office. 

A TfL spokesman said: “There has been a difference in the fare for single tickets (often called ‘cash’ fares) and pay-as-you-go with Oyster fares since 2003. 

“The vast majority of customers on London Underground now use pay-as-you-go with contactless or Oyster, as this is a convenient way to travel. Single tickets are used for less than 2 per cent of all journeys, mostly from outside London, where they are priced differently, because they are often linked to National Rail fares. 

“Alongside fare freezes in recent years, as well as a wide range of concessions available to pay-as-you-go customers, we continue to work to keep all fares as affordable as possible.”

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Shōgun episode 9’s major moment made the showrunners question everything they thought they knew

‘At first you’re shocked, and then you’re challenged, and then you’re inspired’

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The penultimate episode of Shōgun is a big one, in the way only great TV can build to. It binds together everything the past eight hours of the show has built, then punctures the plotlines like daisy chains. And the result is explosive, even before the final moments blow up everything we understand about where this story might be headed. Episode 9, “Crimson Sky,” brings the whole conflict to a fiery head — so it’s no wonder it prominently features the plotline the show’s creators , by their own admission, struggled with the most.

[ Ed. note: This post will now get into explicit spoiler territory for “Crimson Sky.”]

When trying to nail down all the details of Shōgun ’s period world, showrunners Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks brought in producer Mako Kamitsuna as a cultural consultant. When seeking notes, they — like anyone undergoing an edit — were hopeful they had shot the moon.

“We thought, OK, she’s gonna be like, How did you guys do this? You captured the Japanese essence ,” Kondo told Polygon. “And she very politely said, ‘I’m sorry, I’m not able to give you notes about this, because a Japanese person wouldn’t even have this thought.’”

As Marks and Kondo saw it, it was a classic case of not knowing what they didn’t know. “[It] really challenged us to break it down from the beginning and start over. At first you’re shocked, and then you’re challenged, and then you’re inspired — and I think that’s what happened at almost every level,” Kondo says.

One particular note stood out to them: “The meaning of seppuku and a true understanding of why it was used,” Marks says. “Even after the writers room with our Japanese producers and actors, there were a lot of conversations about us trying to reach for: What does seppuku mean?”

The answer to that question is weighed across “Crimson Sky,” particularly as various people try to talk or maneuver Mariko (Anna Sawai) out of her resolve to commit seppuku. Though, as we saw in last week’s episode, it is some sort of ploy on behalf of her lord, Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), no one is exactly sure what or why.

Perhaps nowhere is this clearer than in her conflict with Blackthorne. Part of their connection has been based in his similar thoughts on death; while her husband (Shinnosuke Abe) is left stiff and distant as he struggles to understand Mariko’s desire to commit seppuku, Blackthorne relates to the idea that death is a part of everyday life. And that ease of understanding has underpinned much of their feelings toward each other as the season progressed. But Shōgun is a smart show, and knows their understanding is founded off totally different circumstances, cultural contexts, and conceptions of death. It’s something Marks and Kondo say they can relate to.

“We, I think, as Westerners, for a long time were interpreting [seppuku] almost as a pathos, as like a fixation on death,” Marks says. “[But] seppuku, as an act — I believe as it was put to us by Mako Kamitsuna — is more an expression of life. And that was a really potent conversation that opened our eyes to our misunderstanding as we engaged it through the text originally. To exert this act on a chaotic situation is a chance to exert control over chaos; to take one’s life into their own hands and say that I can have some agency over it.”

It’s just as we saw last week, with Toranaga’s friend and ally Toda Hiromatsu (Tokuma Nishioka) also committing seppuku. That scene is similarly charged, with the layers of understanding — between Toranaga and Hiromatsu, first and foremost, but also for the crowd around them to interpret their performance of ritual — and the weight of the act comes through completely. Though Mariko’s seppuku doesn’t happen exactly (more on that later), both she and Hiromatsu demonstrate their willingness to commit to Toranaga’s cause, to register their very real purpose with an act. And Shōgun treats both of these moments as sacrifices that are respected but mourned: Nishioka and Sanada both look on the verge of tears throughout their scene, both desperate to aid the other, yet unable to do more than they can muster here. Even Mariko’s declaration is met with a bowed head from Toranaga’s wife and the other ladies at court.

Through that lens, Kondo and Marks came along a similar journey to Blackthorne’s: He originally sees Mariko’s choices purely as Toranaga’s manipulation, having observed her somewhat performative attempt at an exit and generally fearing for her life. He even seeks to exploit his connection with her, begging, “Would you consider living for me?” She takes his hand and looks at him with pity and sadness, breaking him when she walks away. Ultimately he listens to her, and accepts that he may not understand her choices, but he can support her in the only ways he knows how: following her lead (and seconding her, so as to save her mortal soul from Christian hell). Without knowing, he has done the thing her husband never could: giving her the freedom of a life beyond anyone else’s understanding, logic, or control.

In an episode all about pawns and the people that move them, Mariko’s steadfastness is remarkable, and even those who can’t understand have no choice but to stare. It’s her journey that defines “Crimson Sky,” even just in the way the camera meets her gaze. After declaring directly to the camera that she was “ready” for her part in Toranaga’s plan, “Crimson Sky” holds Mariko in the center of the frame and the story, ferociously asserting herself as she stares right back into it. Even when she glides past it after failing to battle through Ishido’s men, there’s a sense that she’s seeing further down the line than we are. With her final sacrifice, she is, in her own way, exerting her control over history as best she can. It may be Toranaga’s master plan, and Ishido’s kidnapping attempt, but it’s Mariko who sends the final blow.

Shōgun ’s series finale drops next Tuesday.

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