At 11:22 PM 6/3/96 -0800, Rockman Leung responded to:
>> slave-warrior away from all normal human contact and culture, and she took
>> her first lessons in humanity under the dubious tutelage of a tree (Funaho).
>
>What's this about Funaho?  Where is this from?  Isn't Funaho Yosho's ship?
>
        (Sigh...) I wonder how much of this would pass for the FAQ?

        Yes, Funaho is Yosho's ship, (named after his mother B-)), she is
also the tree of the Masaki shrine, a sentient being, and Ryoko's jailor/
confidant for 700 years.  If you look in OVA #1, near the end of the scene
in Ryoko's cave, just as Tenchi bolted; in freeze-frame you will discover
that the true way that Ryoko was held is that Funaho set up a hyperspace
pocket to hold her, and then grew her roots into Ryoko. 
        In OVA #9 it is revealed that Ryoko is half human, half Masu.  The
Masu, we are told, will obey the strongest mind they are in contact with.
Without her jewels, Ryoko was simply taken over by Funaho.  Ryoko makes
several side remarks , especially in #6 that may be interpreted as stemming
from her relationship with Funaho. Ryoko sings about her lessons in the cave
on the CDs, in particular in the song "Imasara", and it is mentioned in
published notes. Though I grant you that is not strictly cannonical to the
pure OVA story, the elaboration I am suggesting makes sense.
        The fact that Ryoko grew up knowing nothing about being human, and
first began to learn to be and want to be human while in the cave is
consistantly carried through in her and Washu's remarks, and has a lot to do
with their not getting along too well. (The ethical problems raised by
Washu's conduct in the whole matter are of great(almost obsessive)interest
to me, but should be discussed elsewhen).

                                Greg M.