660. Dawn of the Samurai: Japan’s Greatest Warrior (Part 3)
Key Takeaways
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Yoshitsune defeated Benkei in Japan's most famous duel
“It's called Benkay on the Bridge... it describes perhaps the most celebrated fight in the entire history of the samurai.”
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Yoshitsune was raised as a monk in a monastery
“Kiyomori's plan is that Yoshitsune will grow up in harmless and ignorant seclusion as a monk.”
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Samurai legends blend historical facts with spiritual myths
“They are hinting at aspects of his story that I think are genuinely mysterious, and they have evolved to try and explain things.”
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The Taira clan controlled Kyoto and the imperial family
“The Tyra have control over Kyoto, the great imperial capital. They have the imperial family under their thumb.”
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Yoshitsune joined his brother to fight the Taira war
“This is the year when he emerges from this kind of obscurity... to join his half-brother, Yoritomo.”
Episode Description
Who was Yoshitsune, one of the greatest generals in all Japanese history? What part did he play in the ferocious Samurai civil war between the Minamoto clan and the Taira? And, who would win the most decisive victory in all of Samurai history? Join Tom and Dominic as they delve deeper into the origin, rise, and triumph of the mighty Samurai, in 12th century Japan. _______ Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com _______ Advertise with us: Partnerships@goalhanger.com To read our new newsletter, sign up at: therestishistory.com/newsletters _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Video Editors: Jack Meek, Harry Swan + Adam Thornton Social Producer: Harry Balden Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude Senior Producer: Callum Hill Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices