Tales of the Samurai

Tales of the Samurai

by James S. de Benneville
Tales of the Samurai

Tales of the Samurai

by James S. de Benneville

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Overview

A young lord undertakes the restoration of his family's fortunes and honor in this gripping retelling of a 15th-century Japanese epic. Gripping and evocative, it recounts the rebellions, plots, and battles that culminate in a vendetta's thrilling resolution. James S. de Benneville's Western-style narrative offers an exceptionally faithful retelling. 44 black-and-white illustrations.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780486162225
Publisher: Dover Publications
Publication date: 08/02/2012
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 512
File size: 17 MB
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Tales of the Samurai


By James S. de Benneville

Dover Publications, Inc.

Copyright © 2004 Dover Publications, Inc.
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-486-16222-5



CHAPTER 1

THE KWANNONDO OF SASAMEGAYATSU.

Much like the shape of a clam shell is the site of Kamakura town, as it lies hemmed in by sea and hills. From Inamuragasaki on the West the slope of the curve rises gradually to the hinge of the shell at the Hachiman shrine of Tsurugaoka. The shorter side of the triangle descends at a sharp obtuse angle to the sea at Iijima, which marks the bounds of Zaimokuza and the district on the East. The valley therefore is of varying width, and has its widest extent in the avenue of pines leading from the Hachiman shrine to the sea, the Wakamiyaoji. Disregarding the short section of the Zaimokuza beach, that of Yuigahama is so little concave as to give likeness to the comparison. The valley is completely surrounded on two sides by precipitous and irregularly notched hills. Indeed there is no way out of it except by some deep cut roads (kiridoshi) over them. The modern means of access, the railway, has to burrow its way into the town through a tunnel, and out again to the South by the same means. The natural strength of the place is so evident, especially under the mediaeval conditions of warfare, that it is not surprising that Taira Hirotsune recommended it to Yoritomo as his capital. The sea offered every means of escape; and the land every means of defence.

From the two land edges of the shell there run back into the surrounding hills short and steep valleys, their basins levelled and terraced by ages of cultivation. The surrounding hills are well wooded. From West to East the most important are—Kuwagayatsu and the long valley behind the left shoulder of the Daibutsu, the Sasamegayatsu, the Sasukegayatsu, the Ogigayatsu, the Okuragayatsu (large and important), the Kasaigayatsu, the Hikigayatsu. As said, the Hachiman shrine. originally at Zaimokuza near the sea, then transferred by Yoritomo to the hill—the Tsurugaoka—lies at the hinge of the shell. Close by, to the East, Yoritomo built his yashiki (mansion), closely surrounded by the Hatakeyama, Hojo, Wada, and others of his greater vassals. Around these yashiki sprang up a great city of shop-keepers to cater to the necessary and agreeable. The present Komachi and Omachi were at the centre of this hive, which in the days of the Hojo is said to have contained nearly a million people. At the foot of the hills the whole valley was filled from Hase Kwannon to the Komyoji. The villages of Saka no Shita, Yuigasato and Zaimokuza covered the sea with their many sails. Impartially planted among their houses were the yashiki of the great nobles; the hill sides were for temples. The prosperity of the town received a blow when Ashikaga Takauji changed his coat, adopted the cause of Go-Daigo Tenno then engaged in the overthrow of the Hojo Shikken (Regents), and gave opportunity to Nitta Yoshisada to take the town by surprise and storm. The first move of Yoshisada was to fire the city as he burst into it, and a good part of Kamakura was burnt to the ground. It rose slowly from its ashes, for the early years of the Kamakura Kwanryo (viceroys) were not peaceful. These officials, really Shogun of the North, barely subordinate to the Shogun of Kyoto, were of the younger branch of Takauji's stock. With the Southern court established at Yoshino, Takauji [realized that it was impossible for him to adopt the plan of Yoritomo, and sever Court and Shogunate so completely as the latter had done. The great fighting of the next half century was to centre around Kyoto. He established his second son Motouji at Kamakura as Kwanryo; and although the life of this latter was mainly spent in camp, and although Takauji himself had at times to come to the North to give his personal attention to military affairs, the Kwanto was fairly pacified during the life time of these two men; that is, as far as peace could reign during this period. When Ujimitsu, son of Motouji, died in Oei 5th year 11th month (9th Dec. to 8th Jan. 1398-99), the Kwanto had long been free from anything but spasmodic rebellion, and could and did give aid to Kyoto. The Kwanto Kwanryo by this time were so powerful that they cast covetous eyes on the Shogunate at Kyoto. Uesugi Noriharu, the Shitsuji (Premier), unable to turn his master Ujimitsu from this design, remonstrated by the drastic method of committing suicide. Ujimitsu had drawn back. His son Mitsukane succeeded him, a powerful prince at the head of the strongest and most united fighting force in Nippon, and with very much the same disposition to take his cousin's place as suzerain.

The Ashikaga, on their establishment in Kamakura., had not retained the centre of the old Bakufu at Okura. They had moved up the valley to a site close by the Jomyoji, where it begins to contract before rising to the steep and difficult Asahinakiridoshi, a pass on the road to Kanazawa. Here was their yashiki, and the valley occupied by their more immediate vassals. Close by, toward the town centre, was the yashiki of the Inukake Uesugi. The ageing Tomomune had been the Shitsuji of Mitsukane. According to the rule of alternation the Yamanouchi—Ogigayatsu branch now held the office in the person of Norisada. Tomomune's son, Ujinori, was marked out as his successor. Descended from Fujiwara Yoshikado these Uesugi were related on the mother's side to the House of Takauji. Kuge, that is a noble affiliated with the Imperial Court, Shigefusa had left Kyoto, assumed the name of Uesugi from a fief held in Tango province and with it the responsibilities and duties of a buke (military vassal), and drifted to the Kwanto. His daughter married the grandfather of Takauji; hence the intimate connection with this Ashikaga House. The Uesugi were good guessers as to politics. Most opportunely they abandoned the failing fortunes of the Hojo clan in its last days.

Very different therefore was the appearance of the valleys now covered with crops of rice, wheat, barley, millet. In these days of five hundred years ago the ground was occupied by the houses of labourers and shop-keepers; by the yashiki of the fighting nobles occupying vast stretches of ground, with quarters for many score of fighting men. The pleasure quarters of Komachi and Kaizoji—Ogigayatsu, with the inns, cook-shops, and brothels catered to the desires of a great city. In passing along the streets at frequent intervals was seen a gateway opening into the grounds of some great temple monastery. Kamakura was not only the scene of spasmodic carnal warfare, but of an unceasing spiritual strife. Particularly fierce was the struggle between the Zen and Nichiren sects; although also it was Nichiren against the field. The modern town has retained what features it could. The names of Zaimokuza, Komachi, Omachi, Wakamiya-Oji, Yuigahama, Saka no Shita, Hase, are as old as Kamakura itself. But the seaside village is nothing but the faded ghost of a vanished and great city.

It was in the palace of Okuragayatsu—the Kuboyashiki—that Oei 15th year 9th month (20 Sept.—20 Oct. 1408 A.D.) Prince Mitsukane was holding an assembly for the making of poems and the telling of tales. The apartment was long rather than wide. At the top was a dais ascended by several steps. On this was seated Mitsukane, occupying a small stand not unlike a camp stool. Squatted around him was a number of the palace waiting ladies, watchful of every movement made, and in readiness to anticipate every wish of their lord. Below the dais, at the front, were scattered some fifteen or twenty of the greater nobles. At the back of the apartment, at some distance, was a promiscuous group of the samurai, such as had rank and right of entrance to the presence of the suzerain. With the exception of the prince, all present squatted on the tatami, using cushions. The assemblage this night to inquire as to their lord's health was a large one. It seemed rather bored, as did Mitsukane himself. Old Tomomune was finishing his interminable series of tales of the wars of ages before. He had told of the portents which foretold the end of the wicked Taira Kiyomori. The prince, then in the full tide of power, the balance wheel removed by the death of his son Shigemori, had moved the capital from Kyoto to Fuku-hara (Kobe), the emperor passing from one prison to another. The change had been accompanied by the most evil portents. His couch drenched by rain leaking through the roof, the emperor was on the move all night and could not sleep. Though in drier quarters neither could Kiyomori. Armies of men noisily tramped the roof of the palace at night. Tremendous was the uproar. Yet when the guard made its way above not a sign of a living soul was to be seen. Then the favourite horse of the prince nested a brood of mice in his flowing tail, and the attendants ran more risk from his hoofs than from the pest itself in dislodging them. Again, one night as Kiyomori was preparing to go to bed, all were amazed and thunderstruck as the fusama (screens) opened wide and a lady glided into the room. She had long black hair, blackened teeth, face of ghastly pallour, and floated rather than paced the tatami. Glaring fiercely at the prince she slowly wafted toward him. Petticoats never scared Kiyomori; nor much of anything else, for it is the hostile animus of chronicle and kodan which has grafted cowardice on him. He glared fiercely in return, and as the lady came near sprang forward as if to seize her. Thereupon the spectre disappeared. A mocking evil wail rang through the apartment, chilling the hearts of the witnesses to the scene. Then the fusama were seen slowly to close as of themselves.

It was with such experience that on a late fall night Kiyomori prepared to retire to his couch. His head was buzzing with saké, and he was little inclined to slumber. In such condition small companionship was to be found in his night's bed-fellow. She was sober and sleepy. He was drunk and excited. He looked into the next chamber. The samurai on guard, overcome by sleep, was in the land of Nod. No company was to be had there. Kiyomori frowned. He wanted distraction, if not discipline. But this imperious wilful man had a softer side—toward youth. He left the boy to his slumbers. Then from the garden came a sound—goto-goto-goto. Here at least was excitement. Thieves or conspirators? Kiyomori grasped his pillow sword (makura-gatana) Making his way to the amado (wooden shutters) he let fall the bar and gently pushed back a panel. The moon was shining brightly. Every detail without was clear as if outlined in sunlight. At first he saw nothing. Then he noticed a skull hopping and rolling along the ground. Then others appeared; then still more. From the stone lanterns (ishidoro), from jars (tsubo), from the trees, from the artificial lake (ike), from the ground itself they sprang forth in numbers too great to count. Forming in long lines, these met to pile into heaps. They moved as if human and alive. Then the skulls began to fight fiercely with each other. They clasped and bit each other. Their jaws and teeth clashed and creaked hideously. Forming huge piles they fell apart, only again to give battle. It was horrible to witness this sanguinary fierceness in this bloodless contest of malicious evil will. Kiyomori felt as if he was witnessing one of the interminable contests in the hell of fighting ((shurado). "Spring and flowers, the beauty of life belong to earth. The place of these was beneath its surface, out of sight of the living." So had said the men of old. Nyudo Dono would drive them thither. Great was his courage. As he grasped his sword the skulls formed into one vast overwhelming pile. This towered some fourteen or fifteen jo (140 or 150 feet) and appeared to form one great shaven-pated priestly visage. From its orbits the spectre glared with concentrated hellish hate on Kiyomori. Nyudo Dono bared his sword and stamped the roka (verandah) fiercely. He prepared to leap down to the garden and the combat. Lo! All vanished. The cold moon of autumn shone on the frost covered ground. The gentle lapping of the sea waves sounded close by. The garden was a scene of ineffable peace. Kiyomori rubbed his eyes and looked again. Nothing! He shivered. Aroused by his shouting and stamping his attendants came flocking to him. The prince was escorted back to his apartment. Physicians and diviners were summoned. Men took the affair gravely and shook their heads. The common people murmured to each other. As for Kiyomori, he had taken cold and spent some days in bed as the result of his nightly vision.

Such was the tale of Tomomune. Many were the Ahs! Kowa! Izu! Polite sucking in of the breath, and well aped wonderment. But they had heard Tomomune tell the story before, and he was none too short in the telling. Who would be the next? Eyes brightened and attention was aroused as Mitsukane called on Isshiki Akihide as next in order to entertain the company. A member of the powerful family whose centre was at Kyoto, related to the Seiwa Genji, Akihide was rapidly advancing to the post of confidence in his lord's favour. Men hated and feared him. Isshiki knew no scruples in the means used to gain favour. Men had risen by valour, by wisdom, by time-serving. Valour and wisdom he lacked. Moreover these means were too slow and painful to secure promotion. His elder brother Naokane held the important post of Provost of Kamakura town. Himself he proposed to study the character and weak points of his lord. They were nearly of an age, the two men; and the experience of Isshiki among men was of course much the greater. This made him more dangerous. He was the channel of his lord's more intimate connection with the outside world. Mitsukane trusted him. On this occasion he prostrated himself in obeisance. At a sign from his lord he squatted again near the dais. On his face was a smile, hard to interpret whether as cynically sly, or cynically deprecating. The aged uprightness of Tomomune was in secret a mark for his shafts of ridicule. He fathomed no particular greatness in either Tomomune or his son Ujinori. His House was as great as that of the Uesugi. If the latter were in the road so much the worse for them; and the spoil was great. He began by complimenting his predecessor and senior. Ancient tales were beyond his ken and experience. He was one who lived in the present. To serve his lord his wholehearted allegiance was devoted to that present. To the past he had no obligations. These words were meant to sink into Mitsukane, to call to mind the protest of Noriharu. Was not the whole Uesugi House tainted by an ill-timed fealty to Kyoto? Isshiki began: All know what is meant by a Jashin (Snake Divinity), and the Jashin belong to all places and periods. Now it is conceded that among men are found descendants of these Jashin. The distinguishing mark is scales on the back, so that the authenticity of the fact is beyond question, and doubtless there are men present who know such. It is respectfully hoped therefore that our lord will deign not to regard this tale as a mere fairy story.

In the province of Echigo is a pass (toge) known as the Oritoge, and the reason for its being so named is as follows. In days not long since, to be remembered by our grand-fathers, there lived near the village at the foot of the pass a hunter by the name of Yosaku. This man made neither accident nor pleasure of his hunting, but for him it was a means of gaining his livelihood. His success was great, owing to his skill with bow and spear. Hares seemed fairly obsessed with the desire to walk into his traps. The wild boar fell an easy victim to his skilled eye; and Yosaku did not hesitate to attack with the spear and alone in the forest the fierce bear. Even badgers and foxes shared in what seemed to be a grudge against the living. Great was the slaughter he performed in nearly two score years of hunting, and the karma of these deeds of blood surely was distateful to the gods, as the sequel shows.


(Continues...)

Excerpted from Tales of the Samurai by James S. de Benneville. Copyright © 2004 Dover Publications, Inc.. Excerpted by permission of Dover Publications, Inc..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Table of Contents

Contents

Title Page,
Copyright Page,
PREFACE.,
Dedication,
PART I - THE HOUSES OF OGURI AND SATAKE.,
CHAPTER I. - THE KWANNOND OF SASAMEGAYATSU.,
CHAPTER II. - THE FLOWER-VIEWING AT THE MANSION OF SATAKE.,
CHAPTER III. - THE VENGEANCE OF KWANNON.,
CHAPTER IV. - THE VALIANTS OF OGURI.,
CHAPTER V. - THE VALIANTS OF OGURI.,
CHAPTER VI. - THE UPRISING OF UESUGI ZENSH.,
CHAPTER VII. - THE PLOTTING OF FUJINAMI.,
CHAPTER VIII. - KWANNON STRIKES AGAIN.,
PART II - THE ADVENTURES OF SUKESHIGE AND TERUTE.,
CHAPTER IX. - THE MEETING OF SUKESHIGE AND TERUTE.,
CHAPTER X. - THE PLOTTING OF YOKOYAMA SHGEN.,
CHAPTER XI. - THE WATERS OF THE TAMAGAWA.,
CHAPTER XII. - THE RT OF OGURI.,
PART III - THE MISFORTUNES OF TERUTE AND SUKESHIGE.,
CHAPTER XIII. - THE LADY MERCIFUL.,
CHAPTER XIV. - THE MISFORTUNES OF TERUTE.,
CHAPTER XV. - STAN SENSEI.,
CHAPTER XVI. - THE BATTLE OF YAHAGI; AND THE JOURNEY OF MITO NO KOTAR.,
CHAPTER XVII. - ONIKAGE SERVES His LORD.,
CHAPTER XVIII. - THE EPIC OF TERUTE-HIME.,
PART IV - THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE VENDETTA.,
CHAPTER XIX. - ONCHI TAR AND THE RT OF OGURI.,
CHAPTER XX. - THE GEMBUKU OF ONCHI TAR.,
CHAPTER XXI. - THE GATHERING OF THE RT.,
CHAPTER XXII. - THE QUARREL BETWEEN KYTO AND KAMAKURA.,
CHAPTER XXIII. - THE SPIRIT OF THE -DONO TRANQUILLIZED.,
EPILOGUE.,
APPENDICES.,
SOURCES OF THE OGURI HANGWAN ICHIDAIKI.,

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