The Chronicle of Yoshitsune (Gikeiki)
Overview
Eight books. A life of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, but it hardly describes the battles with the Heike; it spends most of its pages on his boyhood at Kurama and his journey to Oshu, and on his flight and end after he falls out with his brother Yoritomo. It tells of meeting Benkei, parting from Shizuka Gozen at Yoshino, the hardships of the flight through the northern provinces, and his suicide at Koromogawa in Hiraizumi.
Background
It is thought to have taken shape in the early Muromachi period, gathering legends of Yoshitsune and Benkei told in many places. It sympathizes far more with Yoshitsune the hunted than Yoshitsune the victor, and this tale nurtured the feeling called hogan-biiki, siding with the underdog. It became material for Noh, kowakamai, joruri and kabuki, spreading into works such as Kanjincho and Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees.
Highlights
- Ushiwaka at KuramaA boy placed in a temple resolves to avenge his father and trains in arms in the mountains every night.Read “Ushiwaka Enters Kurama” →
- The Koshigoe LetterA letter in which Yoshitsune, not allowed into Kamakura, sets down his feelings for his brother.Read “The Koshigoe Letter” →
- Parting from ShizukaHe parts from Shizuka Gozen on snowy Mount Yoshino. Captured, Shizuka later dances before Yoritomo in Kamakura.Read “Mount Yoshino” →
- The Nyoi ferryWhen Yoshitsune's identity is suspected, Benkei gets them through by beating him with a fan. The original of Kanjincho.Read “Benkei Beats Yoshitsune at the Nyoi Ferry” →
- KoromogawaYoshitsune's suicide in his besieged house, and Benkei fighting to the end.Read “The Battle of Koromogawa” →