Yoshitsune and Benkei Viewing Cherry Blossoms, Yoshitoshi Tsukioka, 1885

Minamoto no Yoshitsune

The ninth son of Minamoto no Yoshitomo, the general of the Minamoto clan during the Heian period, Yoshitsune has become one of the most popular warriors of his age.  His father and two oldest brothers were killed while he was very young.  Yoshitsune was placed under the care of the Kurama Temple.  Eventually, Yoshitsune was put under the protection of Fujiwara no Hidehira, head of the Northern Fujiwara clan.

A skilled swordsman, he defeated the warrior monk Benkei in a duel, which strengthened his reputation.  Benkei, humbled and impressed by the defeat, chose to follow by Yoshitsune’s side until their deaths.  At the request of Prince Mochihito, they joined his brother Minamoto no Yoritomo, who recently taken command of the Minamoto clan.  Yoshitsune distinguished himself at the Battle of Awazu, Battle of Ichi-no-Tani, Battle of Yashima, and the Battle of Dan-no-ura during the Genpei War.

After the Genpei War, Yoshitsune aligns allies against his brother Yoritomo.  While fleeing from Hidehira’s protection, Yoshitsune and Benkei are betrayed and defeated at the Battle of Koromo River.  Benkei died during the fighting, but Yoshitsune, his wife, and his child were forced to commit seppuku after the fighting.

Readings:  Heike Monogatari (Third section), Gikeiki