Episode 614 – I am Legend, Part 1

February 6, 2026

Note: I made a mistake recording this episode but did not have time to go back and fix it. It’s episode 614!

This week, we’re starting a three-part series on the evolution of Minamoto no Yoshitsune from historical figure to national legend. This week: what do we know for sure about one of the most famous samurai in Japan, and what do our oldest available sources have to say about him?

 

Sources

The Japanese Historical Text Initiative at Berkeley has great translations for both Gukansho and Azuma Kagami (you do need to register for a password with them!)

McCullough, Helen Craig. Yoshitsune: A Fifteenth Century Japanese Chronicle

Images

Yoshitsune’s grave at the Tadakachi Gikeido in Iwate prefecture.
A section of Azuma Kagami. I believe this is an Edo era recopy, but I’m not totally sure.
Yoshitsune, depicted in a 14th century painting.
Kuramadera, the temple north of Kyoto where Yoshitsune was sent as a ward.
A map of major engagements in the Genpei War (1180-85) where Yoshitsune was present and commanding the Minamoto forces.