Minamoto no Yoshitsune

Minamoto Yoshitsune
Portrait of Yoshitsune in the Chusonji collection
Native name
源 義経
BornUshiwakamaru (牛若丸)
c. 1159
Heian-kyō, Heian Japan
DiedJune 15, 1189 (aged 30)
Battle of Koromo River
Hiraizumi, Kamakura shogunate
FamilyMinamoto
Battles / warsBattle 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
RelationsShizuka 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.

  1. ^ "Minamoto Yoshitsune – Japanese warrior". britannica.com. Archived from the original on 2010-07-11. Retrieved 2010-11-07.