They discuss the Buddhist idea of rebirth. The tale is part of a performance tradition emerging in the medieval period in which itinerant blind male performers, known as biwa hshi, recounted episodes from the tale before a broad range of audiences at locations around the realm, accompanying themselves on the biwa lute. When the Taira lose the war against the Minamoto, she decides to dedicate her life to religion. Evil acts in life will bring about an inevitable suffering later in life. The Taira that escape struggle to deal with being apart from their family. The read-lineage texts are culturally important, although they generally have received less attention in the West as they do not conform as easily to our notions of epic. The oldest dated Heike variant is in fact a read-lineage text, the Engybon, whose colophon dates it to 1309. The tale portrays the war as a great confrontation between the Taira (or Heike) and Minamoto (or Genji) clans, warrior houses descended from imperial princes that had competed for imperial favor and power for several decades leading up to the war. They set up defenses in Ichi-no-tani. He installs a new emperor, Emperor Go-Toba, and puts the Taira out of government positions (they are designated as rebels). Note that in the title of the Genpei War, "hei" is in this combination read as "pei" and the "gen" () is the first kanji used in the Minamoto (also known as "Genji" which is also pronounced using on'yomi, for example as in The Tale of Genji) clan's name. In some cases, the independent nature of the individual ku led to elaboration within that tradition. Kya and Kumano (where his father Koremori drowned). Because of the conflict between Saik's sons and shei of Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei, the plot has to be postponed. Course Hero. The main figure of the second section is the Minamoto general Minamoto no Yoshinaka (). News of unrest in the eastern provinces (controlled by the Minamoto) reaches the new capital. These 8th century writings provide insight into the ancient traditions observed by Emperors and Empresses living at the time. The Taira panic and flee to the boats. In 1192, Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa dies (age 66). Kenreimon'in leaves the monastery and travels to a Buddhist retreat in Jakko-in. An interesting interpretation of this function of the biwa hshi can be found in the Hichi the Earless segment of the film Kwaidan (1965), directed by Masaki Kobayashi. Character notes. [] It brings together information about Kiyomori's daughter Kenreimon'in, the mother of Emperor Antoku. Oyler, Elizabeth. ISBN links support NWE through referral fees. The main character of the story are Kiyomori. Kiyomori's son Taira no Shigemori convinces his father not to be so vicious. The first Taira who gets access to the Imperial court is Taira no Tadamori (1131). It is a massive, episodic work meant to be recited and heard, rather than read. Divine forces punish and kill the governor appointed by Kiyomori to put down Kiso no Yoshinaka's rebellion. Taira no Kiyomori falls sick. Course Hero. 7 Taira no Munemori, the leader of the Taira clan, is conferred a high rank in the court administration. The Tale of the Heike's origin cannot be reduced to a single creator. They continue to wage war together against the Taira until Yoshinaka tries to seize power for himself. Meanwhile, fierce fighting starts at Ikuta-no-mori and Ichi-no-tani, but neither side is able to gain a decisive advantage. "The Tales of Heike Study Guide." Kiyomori uncovers the Minamoto family's plot against him. Kenreimon'in becomes sick. There were various calculations as to when this nadir would arrive, but the widely believed doctrine at the time was that it began around 1050. Minamoto no Yoritomo receives Shigehira, who claims that burning Nara temples was an accident. The central figure of the first section is Taira no Kiyomori () who is described as arrogant, evil, ruthless and so consumed by the fires of hatred that even in death his feverish body does not cool when immersed in water. Yoshinaka sends forces against them, but this time the Taira are victorious in the battle of Mizushima. The setting of the story portrays the Japanese as people with honor, deceit, and brave. At Shio-no-yama, Yoshinaka helps his uncle Yoshiie to defeat the Taira forces (Kiyomori's son Tomonori is killed in the battle). Taira no Shigemori worries that his father's actions will doom the family. The Heike focuses on the fall of a dynasty (the Taira/Heike). Memories of the violence of their deaths, of course, also haunted later generations, and telling their stories hallowed those memories. Kiyomori gains influence over his son-in-law Emperor Takakura when Kenreimon'in gives birth to a son, future Emperor Antoku. 37-48. Transcribed in Twentieth and Twenty-first Century, CFP: journal issue on World Epics in Puppet Theater, Video including an excerpt from the Heike monogatari and images from the collection, The First Man across the Uji River and the Battle of Awazugahara, Educational resources/worksheet for Samurai Warrior codes in art and literature, Samurai Warrior Codes: Comparing Perspectives from the Kamakura, Muromachi, and Edo Periods, The Actor Ichikawa Ebizo II as Imperial Guard Watanabe Kiso in the four-act play Onna moji Heike monogatari, Battles at Ichi-no-tani Mountain and Yashima, Study of the Illustrations of the Tales of the Heike, Scene from the Battle of Yashima from the Tale of the Heike, Kog and The Imperial Procession to hara, Fishermans Festival Robe (Maiwai) with Waves, Ship, and Fan, The Genpei War and the Tale of the Heike, Japans Greatest War Story, Columbia University Website Cookie Notice. Tsunemasa. His suffering as well as the whirlwind that strikes the capital are seen as signs of the fall of the Taira. The blind tradition of Heike recitation has been carried into the present by Imai Tsutomu, of the Nagoya lineage, although his repertoire contains only eight episodes. The Tale of the Heike (Heike monogatari, ) is an epic account of the struggle between the Taira and Minamoto clans for control of Japan at the end of the twelfth century in the Gempei War (1180-1185). They begin to plot against the Taira. Like most epics (the work is an epic chronicle in prose rather than verse), it is the result of the conglomeration of differing versions passed down through an oral tradition by biwa-playing bards known as biwa hshi. This tale is about the Genpei War that occurred for 5 years, 1180-1185 and is a conflict between two clans: Taira and Minamoto. They make a thousand stupas (Buddhist wooden objects) with their names and throw them into the sea. The Taira army pillages local villages en route to the battle. An earthquake rocks the capital city. This is an important concept that will be mentioned frequently in the course of the study. 2 She escapes the Minamoto violence and dedicates her life to religion. After Yoritomo's death in 1199, the monk Mongaku plans a rebellion to install a prince on the throne. Is decline an inevitable part of existence? Book the Second: The Golden Thread Chapters 14-17. When Yokobue came looking for him, he was firm and did not come out. Minamoto no Yoritomo is a powerful nobleman who is convinced to rise up and declare war against the Taira family. Yoshitsune plans a surprise attack from the rear (one more time after the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani) on the Taira stronghold at the Battle of Yashima. The story only briefly mentions Kiyomori's rise to power in alliance with Emperor Go-Shirakawa, and instead details the latter years of his life, when he manipulates his way to the highest position in the imperial court. Cruel, cunning Taira no Kiyomori rises to power in Japan. A story about the monk Mongaku is inserted as a background to Minamoto no Yoritomo's revolt. An unremarkable Japanese nobleman named Taira no Kiyomori leads his family to prominence. The retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa dies many years later, shortly followed by Yoritomo. The retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa begins a feud with a group of monks. He takes control of the capital, so Yoritomo sends Minamoto no Yoshitsune to reclaim the city for the Minamoto family. Kenreimon'in's experience is a short, calming moment of reflection after the upheaval described in the earlier books. His cruel and arrogant behavior soon angers other powerful people. An abridged translation by Burton Watson was published in 2006. Bialock, David T. Eccentric Spaces, Hidden Histories: Narrative, Ritual, and Royal Authority from The Chronicles of JapantoThe Tale of the Heike. Then, in 1167, he becomes Chancellor, the next to top post in government. Retired Emperors and courtiers lament the destruction of Nara. Course Hero, Inc. As a reminder, you may only use Course Hero content for your own personal use and may not copy, distribute, or otherwise exploit it for any other purpose. In 1184, Taira no Shigehira (captured alive) and the heads of the defeated Taira are paraded in the streets of the capital. Course Hero. The main figure of the second section is the Minamoto general Minamoto no Yoshinaka. The religion she finds in the monastery is a stark contrast to the lavish lifestyle she once enjoyed. 12 The most widely read version of the Heike monogatari was compiled by a blind monk named Kakuichi in 1371, and includes later revisions glorifying military valor. Taira clan head Taira no Munemori, Taira no Tokuko, Kiyomori's daughter, are captured alive. The fate Heike met leaves us with lot of tears. He arranges marriages and appoints governors. Before dying in agony, Kiyomori makes a wish to have the head of Minamoto no Yoritomo hung before his grave. Taira no Shigemori, the eldest virtuous son of Kiyomori, successfully admonishes his father by reminding him of the Confucian value of loyalty to the Emperor. Course Hero, Inc. As a reminder, you may only use Course Hero content for your own personal use and may not copy, distribute, or otherwise exploit it for any other purpose. The violence enacted by Kiyomori will unleash a wave of war, death, and cruelty. Briefly summarize "A Tale of the Sky World . Around 1240 the stories were gathered together into an epic by an unknown author. The narrator details each iniquity committed by the Taira, predicting their downfall for at least seven years. Treated as a secret text by [a group of biwahshi], this chapter is believed to have originated in the late 13th century, after the Heike proper. The Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa offers the Taira to exchange Three Imperial Treasures for Shigehira, but they refuse. With no doubts, The Tale of the Heike is one of the most influential, well-known and renowned classics in Japanese literature. He retires as the Emperor but continues to influence politics from behind the scenes. The previous 12 books provide a long and detailed history of a violent civil war between two opposing families. Although he marries one of his daughters to an emperor and become Emperor's Antoku's grandfather, his glory does not survive him. The Minamoto parade the severed heads of the defeated Taira through the streets of the capital. There are other memorable characters whose stories may be designed to both elicit an emotion and teach a life lesson, in particular the elderly warrior Sanemori, the poet Tadanori, and the uneven opponents Kumagae and Atsumori. Course Hero. The story of the Heike was compiled from a collection of oral stories recited by travelling monks who chanted to the accompaniment of the biwa, an instrument reminiscent of the lute. (1103-56; r. 1107-23); was an influential force after abdicating the throne during three emperors. The battle is filled with demonstrations of skill and bravery. Two main strands feed into the central ethos of the tale, samurai and buddhist. Kitagawa, Hiroshi and Bruce T. Tsuchida, eds. They win several victories until Kiso no Yoshinaka prays to the gods for help. . Internal disagreements cause Minamoto generals to clash. In 1177, Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa is in conflict with Enryaku-ji. Sarasju no hana no iro, Jshahissui no kotowari wo arawasu. At the Siege of Hiuchi, the Taira get help from a loyal abbot and defeat Yoshinaka's garrisons. The biwa-hoshi, blind monks who recited the tale while they accompanied themselves with the biwa (a Japanese short-necked fretted lute), made the story familiar among common people throughout Japan. Kenreimon'in is rewarded for her acceptance of religion. A literary analysis of the tale of heike. However, the Emperors portrayed in The Tales of the Heike are often controlled by other people. Initially, the authorship of this work is unknown but it is known that The Tale of the Heike was compiled by blind monks in the mid 13th century. The central theme of the story is the Buddhist law of impermanence, illustrated by the spectacular rise and fall of the powerful Taira , the samurai clan who defeated the imperial-backed Minamoto in 1161 and established the first military-run government in Japan. Kiyomori's evil deeds will become his torturers in Hell. The 4-character expression (yojijukugo) "the prosperous must decline" (, jshahissui) is a phrase from the Humane King Sutra, in full "The prosperous inevitably decline, the full inevitably empty" (, jsha hissui, jissha hikkyo). He secretly leaves Yashima and travels to Mt. Many temples are burned and people see it as a bad omen for the Taira. The Tale of the Heike. She is welcomed into the afterlife. After he dies the main figure of the third section is the great samurai, Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a military genius who is falsely accused of treachery by his politically astute elder brother Minamoto no Yoritomo. By continuing to use this website, you consent to Columbia University's use of cookies and similar technologies, in accordance with the Columbia University Website Cookie Notice. [] It constitutes a single literary entity a tale in the old monogatari style, rich in poetic imagery, rhythmic passages, waka, and melancholy associations.[19]. Author. http://www.samurai-archives.com/time0.html. Royall Tyler, The Tale of the Heike (New York: Penguin Books, 2014), 19. New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article The second religious concept evident in the Tale of the Heike is another Buddhist idea, karma. Mongaku comes back with a letter from Yoritomo and saves Rokudai just before his execution takes place. She has lost many close family members and friends. The accuracy of each of these historical records has become a compelling subject for further study; and some accounts have been shown to withstand close scrutiny, while other presumed "facts" have turned out to be inaccurate.[14]. Shigemori dies after predicting his father's disgrace. Kiyomori and the Taira even dare to conflict with the powerful Regent, Fujiwara no Motofusa. The theme of impermanence (muj) is captured in the famous opening passage: ". Japanese literature scholar and translator Royall Tyler prefaces his 2012 translation of The Tale of the Heike with a glossary of eighty-two "principal figures"; the high number reflects the reality of many families with conflicting and shifting loyalties interacting at home and afield. 3 Minamoto Yoshinaka defeats the Taira and forces them to retreat from Kyoto, but when he attempts to assume leadership of the Minamoto clan, Minamoto no Yoritomo sends his brothers Yoshitsune and Noriyori to depose him. The great classic of the earlier Heian Period (794-1185) was The Tale of Genji. What sentiments and reflections do these individual tales draw out? Course Hero is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university. . It is a type of millennium thinking. The narrator provides a final update on the life of Kenreimon'in, the daughter of Taira no Kiyomori. Course Hero. Shigemori threatens to defend Go-Shirakawa against Kiyomori if necessary. http://www.samurai-archives.com/HeianPeriod.html, ) and have been provincial governor level appointees. Retired Emperor Takakura angers the monks of Enryaku-ji by going to the Itsukushima Shrine instead of the Enryaku-ji. Meanwhile, several Taira clan members are found and executed. Water sprayed on his body turns to flames and black smoke that fills the room. Emperor Takakura retires and is replaced by his very young son Emperor Antoku. Book the Second: The Golden Thread Chapters 22-24. Yoshinaka barely breaks through the enemy forces. The Tale of the Heike. Takeki mono mo tsui ni wa horobin(u), hitoeni kaze no mae no chiri ni onaji. She achieves an everlasting peace through religion. The Minamoto defeat the Taira in a victory at Ichi-no-tani. In the famous and tragic passage, Kiyomori's widow, holding young Emperor Antoku in her arms, commits suicide by drowning. Kiyomori uncovers the Minamoto family's plot against him. Translated by Royall Tyler (Penguin, 2012), pp. The sense of "mono no aware" (the sorrow which results from the passage of things; see Motoori Norinaga) pervades the narrative and alongside the tales of bravery in battle, there are references to Chinese and Japanese legends, poignant recitations of poetry, and frequent "drenching of sleeves" with tears. Edited by Harou Shirane and Tomi Suzuki. arrives as an official envoy of the government and convinces them to quiet down. He sends an army against Yoshitsune who is forced to flee the capital. 2021. Many Taira are killed or commit suicide at Dan-no-ura. Kenreimon'in exchanges palaces in the capital city for a small hut in the countryside. Royall Tyler. How does the theme of impermanence color this narrative? Based on the actual historical struggle between the Taira (Heike) and Minamoto (Genji) families, which convulsed Japan in civil war for some years, the Heike monogatari features the exploits of Minamoto Yoshitsune, the most popular hero of Japanese legend, and recounts many episodes of the heroism of aristocratic samurai warriors. During the confused fighting at the shore, Yoshitsune loses his bow and gets it back risking his life. Then, Yoritomo kills Minamoto no Noriyori (Yoshitsune's half brother) who is reluctant to go against Yoshitsune. There is merit in complexity. They talk about the miserable nature of humanity and the way religion can be helpful. ISBN-13. The monastery where she stays as a nun is damaged during the great earthquake described in Book 12. Product Key Features. Before being sent to the Nara monks, Shigehira is treated well at Izu (a bath is prepared for him, wine is served, a beautiful lady serving Yoritomo, Senju-no-mae, sings several songs (with Buddhist meaning) and plays the lute; Shigehira also sings and plays the lute after Shigehira's execution, Senju-no-mae becomes a nun). Kiyomori's power angers others who conspire against him. It was famously retold in Japanese prose by historical novelist Eiji Yoshikawa, published in Asahi Weekly in 1950 with the title New Tale of the Heike (Shin Heike Monogatari). Yoshinaka's army is defeated and the Minamoto take back the capital city and control of the country. Other conspirators (Naritsune, Yasuyori and Shunkan) are exiled to Kikaijima near Satsuma Province. Emperor Go-Shirakawa helps the Minamoto and the war begins. When they reach the Fuji River, the Taira forces hear stories about the might of eastern warriors and fear that Minamoto forces outnumber them. She draws comparisons between important events she has experienced and the Buddhist idea of rebirth. Kenreimon'in tells the retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa the story of her life. <25> "latter days of the Law"---Buddhist doctrine holds that there is a cosmic cycle where the dharma (Buddhist truth and principles) has an apex and a nadir. At night, a flock of birds rises with great noise and the Taira forces, thinking that they are attacked, retreat in panic. Yoshitsune takes control of the capital and guards the mansion of the Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa, not letting Yoshinaka's men capture him. At Yashima, Taira no Koremori, grandson of Taira no Kiyomori, is grieved to be away from his family in the capital. However, in the end, as the tale is the result of a long oral tradition, there is no single true author; Yukinaga is only one possibility of being the first to compile this masterpiece into a written form. Often characters seek enlightenment, or atone for their sins, by entering religious life; Koremori takes the tonsure before committing suicide, and the Imperial Lady lives out the last years of her life as a nun. How does it compare to other Buddhist texts such as the Life of Buddha and the Dhammapada? lady and thus looses her family name "Taira"), (will become a nun at the end of her life), affections (and the financial remunerations associated with them) for Gio are transferred to a "new girl in town" named Hotoke, an event that happens in part out of innocent sympathy for the girl on Gio's part. They burn temples as they run away. Tomomori (Kiyomori's son) drowns himself. (2021, March 31). Chapter 1.1, trans. Based on the actual historical struggle between the Taira (Heike) and Minamoto (Genji) families, which convulsed Japan in civil war for years, the Heike monogatari features the exploits of Minamoto Yoshitsune, the most popular hero of Japanese legend, and recounts many episodes of the heroism of aristocratic samurai warriors. Nation and Epic: The Tale of the Heike as Modern Classic. Inventing the Classics: Modernity, National Identity, and Japanese Literature. In addition to telling a historically important moment, their tale also served the placatory function of soothing the spirits of those killed in the war, as those who died violent deaths posed the threat of returning as angry ghosts who might cause earthquakes and epidemics or otherwise wreak havoc on society. Shigemori is the voice of reason in an increasingly violent world. Yoshinaka wins Mount Hiei monks over to his side. Download a PDF to print or study offline. Hearing the news of his family's death, Shunkan kills himself by fasting (1179). Written in the genre of "gunki monogatari" (military tales), the story illustrates themes of samurai ethics and glorifies the military values of loyalty, bravery, and strong leadership. Book the Second: The Golden Thread Chapters 18-21. The central theme of the story is the Buddhist law of impermanence. The Tale of the Heike is a beautiful novel written by the famous author Anonymous. Compare and contrast the "Tale of the Heike" and "Confessions of Lady Nijo" with the "Tale of Genji". [citation needed] The central figure of the first section is Taira no Kiyomori who is described as arrogant, evil, ruthless and so consumed by the fires of hatred that even in death his feverish body does not cool when immersed in water. Section summary Takakura loves a very low-ranking girl named Aoi. [11] The Heike also includes a number of love stories, which harken back to earlier Heian literature. Yoshinaka writes a petition at the Hachiman Shrine to get divine help for the upcoming battle. She should be thought of as quite young and quite low in rank. The triumphs of the Taira and the Minamoto are fleeting. Internal disagreements cause Minamoto generals to clash. He lashes out at the Minamoto and kills a number of their important family members. After the refusal of Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa he caused trouble at the court and was exiled to Izu Province. The story begins and ends as an elegy, with the tolling of the temple bells symbolizing defeat and death. Yoritomo (still suspicious) orders the execution of Rokudai (age 30+), and the Taira line comes to an end. Before the final Battle of Dan-no-ura, the Minamoto gain new allies: the head of the Kumano shrines decides to support the Minamoto after fortune-telling with cockfights (200 boats) and 150 boats from a province of Shikoku. Kenreimon'in is the daughter of Taira no Kiyomori and a woman who has spent most of her life in the shadows of violent men. Yoshinaka's army is revitalized and defeats the Taira army in an important battle at Kurikara Valley. The chapter describes the rise of the Taira clan and early conflicts at the court. Copyright 2016. The retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa begins to plot against Kiyomori. Thus, Heike existed as both a coherent narrative about the war and discrete shorter episodes that stood on their own. While tinged with Buddhism, it is also a samurai epic focusing on warrior culture an ideology that ultimately laid the groundwork for bushido (the way of the warrior). Kiyomori sends a military expedition to put down the rebellion of Yoritomo. The Tale of the Heike performed by Tsutomo Arao: Performance of the Heike Monogatari, arrangement by satsuma-biwa player Junko Ueda and flutist Wil Offermans (2011): The following questions are geared toward a discussion of the Tales of the Heike in the context of the upper-level undergraduate course Nobility and Civility: East and West (Columbia University global core). Kiso no Yoshinaka (cousin of Minamoto no Yoritomo in the northwestern provinces) plans a rebellion against the Taira and raises an army. Meanwhile, the Taira regain their strength and assemble a strong army. Stanford University Press, 2007. 13 Does power corrupt? Kiyomori, under pressure from temples and courtiers, moves the capital back to Kyoto. New York: Penguin Books. Kenreimon'in retires to a monastery and dies alone. The Taira struggle to deal with all of the different rebellions. Rokudai (age 12) is the last male heir of the Taira family. Yoshitsune disagrees with a general named Kajiwara Kagetoki about tactics. Mongaku is an ascetic with strange powers who requested donations at the court in 1179. [16] The monk Saik is executed and others are exiled. Misfortunes of the Taira are blamed on Taira no Kiyomori (his evil deeds caused the suffering of the whole Taira clan). His plot is uncovered and the Retired Emperor Go-Toba exiles him to the island of Oki (age 80+). At its low point, for humans, corruption is rampant, immorality becomes the rule not the exception, it is difficult to follow Buddhism sincerely, natural disasters occur, etc. The great fire of May 27, 1177 burns the Imperial Palace in the capital, of Heian-ky. One day the retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa visits her. Performance tradition texts like the Kakuichibon are comprised of about 200 episodes, referred to as ku. When Yoritomo sends a large force led by Hj Tokimasa against him, Yoshitsune flees from the capital to a northern province. This is beyond a doubt one of the most famous passages of The Tale of Heike. 151-178. Warriors execute him in front of the monks. 8-[4] The Flight from the Dazaifu The Taira, out-numbered, flee this Kysh post. [citation needed], The story is roughly divided into three sections. The Tales of the Heike provides a dramatic window onto the emerging world of the medieval samurai and recounts in . At Fukuhara-ky, Munemori gives a moving speech about duty to follow the Emperor, the Taira set fire to the palace and then flee from Fukuhara-ky by boats to Kysh. To leave the Capital is . Upload them to earn free Course Hero access! Trans. Kiyomori's virtuous son, Taira no Shigemori, goes on a pilgrimage to Kumano and asks the gods for a quick death if the Taira are to fall. - Chapter 1.1, Helen Craig McCullough's translation. Download a PDF to print or study offline. One of the episodes describing Kiyomori's arrogance is the famous story about the dancer Gi who falls out of Kiyomori's favour and becomes a nun. Those exiled to Kikaijima build a shrine where they pray for return to capital. He famously explains that he did not want the Taira to get that bow (for weak archers) and laugh at him. The Taira are defeated and flee by boats in different directions. Have study documents to share about The Tales of Heike? Kiyomori ignores Taira no Shigemori and executes enemies. Cambridge University Press, 2015. The monk Yoshida Kenk (12821350) offers a theory as to the authorship of the text in his famous work Tsurezuregusa, which he wrote in 1330. Kiyomori consolidated power through marrying his daughter to the reigning emperor, and then forcing the emperor off the throne in favor of the very young son born of that union. After Tadamori's death (1153), his son Kiyomori plays a key role in helping the Emperor Go-Shirakawa suppress the Hgen rebellion (1156) and the Heiji rebellion (1159), thereby gaining more influence in the court affairs. (1975). Kenreimon'in exchanges palaces in the capital city for a small hut in the countryside. Course Hero, "The Tales of Heike Study Guide," March 31, 2021, accessed January 18, 2023, https://www.coursehero.com/lit/The-Tales-of-Heike/. Accessed January 18, 2023. https://www.coursehero.com/lit/The-Tales-of-Heike/. The Minamoto gain the upper hand and the Taira flee. A noble family named the Minamoto are concerned about the power of the Taira family. Minamoto no Yoshitsune gets the city from Kiso no Yoshinaka. Yoshinaka's rudeness and lack of knowledge about etiquette are shown to be ridiculous in several episodes (makes fun of courtiers, wears tasteless hunting robes, does not know how to get out of a carriage). 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