The Tale of the Heike (Heike Monogatari)

Author unknown (traditionally Shinano no Zenji Yukinaga) · 13th century

Overview

A war tale telling how the Taira clan, centered on Taira no Kiyomori, rose to the height of glory and then, defeated by the Minamoto, perished at Dannoura. The widely read Kakuichi text has twelve books plus the "Initiates' Book." Woven through the battles are the last moments of young warriors, the grief of women, and stories of taking vows and rebirth in paradise, and the whole is pervaded by the thought that "all things are impermanent" and "the mighty must fall."

Background

In the late twelfth century, after the Hogen and Heiji disturbances, Taira no Kiyomori became the first warrior to be Chancellor and made his daughter Tokuko consort of Emperor Takakura. But conflict with the Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa and the risings of Prince Mochihito, Minamoto no Yoritomo and Kiso Yoshinaka followed, and after Kiyomori's death the Taira were driven from the capital. The tale took shape in the thirteenth century and spread across the country as heikyoku, recited by blind biwa monks to the lute. It grew as it was retold, and there are many variant texts.

Highlights

  1. Gion Shoja"The bell of Gion Shoja echoes the impermanence of all things." An opening made to be read aloud.Read “Gion Shoja” →
  2. ShunkanLeft alone on Kikaigashima, he clings to the ship that came for the others, stamping his feet and weeping.Read “Stamping His Feet” →
  3. The death of AtsumoriThe man Kumagai Naozane pinned down was a handsome young warrior the same age as his own son.Read “The Charge Down the Slope” →
  4. Nasu no YoichiWith a single arrow he brings down a fan on a boat tossing on the waves. A brief moment of glory on the battlefield, cheered by both sides.Read “Nasu no Yoichi” →
  5. The drowning of the emperorThe Nun of the Second Rank sinks into the sea holding eight-year-old Emperor Antoku. "There is a capital beneath the waves too."Read “The Drowning of the Former Emperor” →