The Tales Of The Heike

The Tales of the Heike - Commentary

The Tales of the Heike, arguably one of Japan’s most famous literary works, has captivated audiences for more than seven hundred years and has inspired countless works based on its characters and incidents. The story focuses on the rivalry between two of Japan’s early warrior clans, the Genji (Minamoto) and Heike (Taira). This rivalry led to countless battles and resulted in the fall of the Taira from its position of supremacy, and ultimately brought about an end to the elegant, aristocratic rule that characterized the Heian period. Following the Minamoto’s victory, military government replaced aristocratic rule, and the seat of power was moved from Kyoto to Kamakura. The Tales of the Heike has an enduring appeal because it established the historical narrative of Japan as a military nation and the rise of the samurai class to a nationally prominent position. In addition to the Genji-Heike rivalry, the fate of the Heike, and Buddhist principles are major themes throughout the book.

The Tales of the Heike suggests a clear Japanese consciousness of the intrinsic tragedy in warfare.

Informed by Buddhist thought, the text reflects on the inevitability of pain of loss and death, which is juxtaposed by the growing warrior class, heavily invested in warfare and death. The Tales of the Heike as well as the many plays and works of art that are based upon it concern themselves more with the negative effects of warfare on the characters, rather than the war itself. The text establishes a struggle between the refined, aristocratic culture of the court and the rough, warrior class’ brutal customs. This is portrayed in the habits of the Heike warriors, who often played music and composed poetry on the

battlefield.
The work is written in the gunki monotagari (military tale) genre and focuses on themes of samurai ethics such as the importance of a warrior’s willingness to die for their lord, and the determination to die an honorable death, while glorifying military values of loyalty, bravery, and leadership. It also propagates many Buddhist principles. The theme of the impermanence of the material world is central to the story and the belief that the character’s fates are predetermined by good or evil deeds of prior existences. Many characters seek enlightenment by entering into religious life. The Heike clan is the embodiment of the Buddhist law of impermanence, the belief that all things are destined to decay and fall in the future. This is evident in the decaying Heike power, and their generational misfortune. The Buddhist concept of karma is particularly apparent in the case of Taira no Kiyomori, whose cruelty and arrogance allowed him to rise to power, only to result in his own painful death and the eventual demise of his own clan. The Buddhist law of dharma, which states that evil done in the present will have devastating, negative effects on future generations, is also prevalent throughout the story.