Minamoto Yoshitsune | |
---|---|
![]() Portrait of Yoshitsune in the Chusonji collection | |
Native name | 源 義経 |
Born | Ushiwakamaru (牛若丸) c. 1159 Heian-kyō, Heian Japan |
Died | June 15, 1189 (aged 30) Battle of Koromo River Hiraizumi, Kamakura shogunate |
Family | Minamoto |
Battles/wars | Battle of Uji (1184) Battle of Awazu (1184) Battle of Ichi-no-Tani (1184) Battle of Yashima (1185) Battle of Dan-no-ura (1185) Battle of Koromo River (1189) |
Spouse(s) | Sato Gozen |
Relations | Shizuka Gozen (concubine) Minamoto no Yoshitomo (father) Tokiwa Gozen (mother) Minamoto no Yoritomo (half-brother) Minamoto no Noriyori (brother) |
Signature | ![]() |
Minamoto no Yoshitsune (源 義経, c. 1159 – June 15, 1189) was a commander of the Minamoto clan of Japan in the late Heian and early Kamakura periods. During the Genpei War, he led a series of battles that toppled the Ise-Heishi branch of the Taira clan, helping his half-brother Yoritomo consolidate power. He is considered one of the greatest and the most popular warriors of his era, and one of the most famous samurai in the history of Japan.[1] Yoshitsune perished after being betrayed by the son of a trusted ally and was labelled as a tragic hero.