The legend of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his loyal warrior monk, Benkei.

The legend of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his loyal warrior monk, Benkei.

The paradox that Yoshitsune's military genius and immense popularity, which won a war for his clan, were the very qualities that led his own brother to betray and destroy him.

This podcast episode delves into one of Japan's most foundational legends: the story of the brilliant general Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his fiercely loyal warrior monk, Benkei. The episode explores their iconic first meeting on Kyoto's Gojō Bridge, their pivotal roles in the Genpei War, and the innovative military tactics that made Yoshitsune a national hero. However, the podcast focuses on the central tragedy of the tale—how Yoshitsune's very success and popularity became a threat to his politically ambitious brother, Yoritomo, leading to a devastating betrayal. We will cover their years as fugitives and their legendary final stand, which culminated in Benkei's famous 'Standing Death.' This episode examines the themes of loyalty, honor, and betrayal that cemented their status as archetypal figures in Japanese culture.

Jaksot(18)

Japanese Mythology: Yamato Takeru, Tragic Hero or Imperial Symbol?

Japanese Mythology: Yamato Takeru, Tragic Hero or Imperial Symbol?

The stark contrast between the two earliest accounts of his life: the Kojiki, which portrays him as a tragic hero exiled by a fearful father, and the Nihon Shoki, which depicts him as a perfectly loya...

12 Loka 202514min

The story of the Kasane-ga-fuchi curse, its historical context, and modern legacy.

The story of the Kasane-ga-fuchi curse, its historical context, and modern legacy.

The tale of Kasane exists in two powerful forms: one as a generational curse haunting a single bloodline, and another, older version where a ghost's vengeance is not against one murderer, but against ...

12 Loka 202514min

The legend of Emperor Sutoku's transformation into a vengeful spirit.

The legend of Emperor Sutoku's transformation into a vengeful spirit.

How a rejected prayer, a holy scripture written in blood, became a 700-year curse that toppled an empire.In this episode of our podcast, we explore one of Japan's most powerful and enduring legends: t...

8 Loka 202512min

The myth of Hoori and Hoderi (Luck of the Sea and Luck of the Mountains)

The myth of Hoori and Hoderi (Luck of the Sea and Luck of the Mountains)

The myth of Hoori and Hoderi is not just a fairytale about sibling rivalry but a sophisticated political allegory created to provide divine justification for the Yamato imperial court's historical sub...

8 Loka 202513min

The Tale of the Straw Millionaire (Warashibe Chōja)

The Tale of the Straw Millionaire (Warashibe Chōja)

The story's evolution from a Buddhist parable, where wealth is a reward for piety and selfless compassion, into the secular "trading quest" trope found in modern video games.In this podcast, we explor...

6 Loka 202517min

The horror tale of the Hashihime of Uji (The Bridge Princess)

The horror tale of the Hashihime of Uji (The Bridge Princess)

The idea that the Hashihime was not a passive victim who became a ghost, but a living woman who willfully transformed herself into a demon through a horrifying ritual to enact her own revenge.In this ...

6 Loka 202514min

The Real-Life Horror Behind the Ghost of Yotsuya

The Real-Life Horror Behind the Ghost of Yotsuya

The story of Oiwa's ghost is a famous tale of domestic horror, but it's also a dark reflection of the real-life terror and deadly rivalries within the Shogun's Harem, where thousands of women competed...

2 Loka 202515min

The Purity and Power of Tawara Tōda's Arrow (My Lord Bag of Rice)

The Purity and Power of Tawara Tōda's Arrow (My Lord Bag of Rice)

The idea that a monster impervious to normal weapons was defeated not by a magical sword, but by the hero's own saliva, revealing a deep connection between spiritual purity and martial victory in Japa...

2 Loka 202512min

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