Forty-seven Ronin facts for kids
The forty-seven rōnin were a group of brave samurai warriors. They became famous for avenging the death of their former master, Lord Asano. This happened on January 31, 1703, and their story has become a legendary tale in Japan.
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What is a Rōnin?
First, let's understand what a "rōnin" is. In old Japan, samurai were warriors who served powerful lords called "daimyo." A samurai's life was all about serving their lord with complete loyalty. But what happened if a samurai's lord died or lost his position? Then, the samurai became a "rōnin." A rōnin was a samurai without a master. It was a tough situation because they didn't have a lord to provide for them.
Lord Asano and Lord Kira
Our story begins with a lord named Asano Naganori. Lord Asano was the daimyo, or ruler, of the Ako Domain in Japan. In 1701, Lord Asano and other daimyo were ordered to go to Edo (which is now Tokyo). They were there to help prepare for a visit from the Emperor's representatives.
In Edo, they had to learn proper etiquette (fancy manners) from a high-ranking official. This official was named Kira Yoshinaka. Kira was supposed to teach them how to behave in front of the Emperor. However, Kira was a very difficult and mean person. He treated Lord Asano and the other lords poorly. He also demanded bribes, which is money given to someone to get them to do something.
Lord Asano was a very honorable and honest man. He believed it was wrong to give bribes. Because Lord Asano refused, Kira became angry. He started to insult and humiliate Lord Asano in public.
The Incident at Edo Castle
Kira's insults and humiliation went on for a long time. Finally, Lord Asano couldn't take it anymore. He became so angry that he drew his sword. He then attacked Kira inside Edo Castle. This was a very serious crime. Drawing a sword inside the castle was strictly forbidden.
Lord Asano only wounded Kira slightly. However, the punishment for his actions was severe. The Shogun, who was the ruler of Japan, ordered Lord Asano to commit "seppuku." This was a ritual suicide where Lord Asano had to take his own life. This act was meant to restore his honor.
The Ako Rōnin's Decision
When Lord Asano died, his samurai became rōnin. They were now without a master and without a clear purpose. The samurai were very sad and angry about what had happened to their lord. They felt that Lord Asano had been treated unfairly by Kira.
Oishi Kuranosuke, Lord Asano's chief retainer, led the samurai. A retainer was the most important samurai serving a lord. The rōnin had a big decision to make. Should they accept their fate as rōnin and live quietly? Or should they seek revenge on Kira for causing their lord's death?
The samurai decided to avenge their lord's death. This was a very dangerous decision. If they were caught, they would be punished severely. But they felt it was their duty to honor their lord and restore his good name.
Planning Their Revenge
Oishi Kuranosuke knew that Kira would be expecting revenge. So, he came up with a clever plan to trick Kira and his guards. The rōnin pretended to scatter and live normal lives. Some became merchants, some became monks, and some even pretended to be drunkards. They did this to make Kira think they had given up on revenge.
For almost two years, the rōnin waited and planned. They secretly gathered information about Kira's mansion and his guards. They learned about the layout of the mansion. They also found out the guards' schedules and any secret passages.
The Attack on Kira's Mansion
On the night of December 14, 1702, the forty-seven rōnin finally put their plan into action. They gathered at a secret meeting place. They prepared for the attack, armed with swords, spears, and other weapons.
Oishi divided the rōnin into two groups. One group would attack the front gate of Kira's mansion. The other group would attack the back gate. They planned to catch Kira by surprise and make sure he couldn't escape.
The attack began in the early morning hours. The rōnin fought bravely and skillfully. They overcame Kira's guards and made their way into the mansion. They searched for Kira everywhere.
Finally, they found Kira hiding in a small room. They offered him the chance to die honorably by committing seppuku, just like Lord Asano. But Kira was too afraid. So, the rōnin killed him.
After the Attack
After avenging their lord's death, the rōnin knew they would be punished. They didn't try to escape. Instead, they turned themselves in to the authorities.
The Shogun was very impressed by the rōnin's loyalty and bravery. However, he also had to uphold the law. After much thought, he ordered the forty-seven rōnin to commit seppuku.
The rōnin accepted their fate with honor. They knew they had done what they believed was right. They had avenged their lord's death and restored his honor.
Legacy of the Rōnin
The story of the Forty-Seven Rōnin became very famous in Japan. They are remembered as heroes who showed incredible loyalty, courage, and honor. Their story has been told in many books, plays, and movies.
The Forty-Seven Rōnin are buried together at Sengaku-ji Temple in Tokyo. People still visit their graves to pay their respects and honor their memory.
Lessons from Their Story
The story of the Forty-Seven Rōnin teaches us many important lessons:
- Loyalty: The rōnin were incredibly loyal to their lord, even after his death.
- Courage: They were willing to risk their lives to avenge their lord's death.
- Honor: They believed in doing what was right, even if it was difficult.
- Justice: They sought justice for their lord's unfair treatment.
- Perseverance: They waited and planned for almost two years before taking action.
The story of the Forty-Seven Rōnin is a reminder that even in difficult situations, we should always strive to do what is right and stand up for what we believe in.
Images for kids
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Ukiyo-e print showing Asano Naganori's attack on Kira Yoshinaka in Edo Castle.
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A memorial stone marking the site of the Matsu no Ōrōka (Great Corridor of Pines) in Edo Castle, where Asano attacked Kira.
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Two of the rōnin: Horibe Yahei and his adopted son, Horibe Yasubei. Yasubei is holding an ōtsuchi.
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A modern-day reenactment of a samurai armed for the attack.
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The rōnin attacking the main gate of Kira's mansion.
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The rōnin, on their way back to Sengaku-ji, are stopped in the street and invited in for rest and refreshment.
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Part of the Remains of Former Kira Residence, now Honjo Matsuzaka-cho Park.
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Painting of Ōishi Yoshio committing seppuku.
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A memorial to the loyalty of Ōishi Yoshio and the others, at the site where they died.
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The entrance to Sengaku Temple.
See also
In Spanish: 47 rōnin para niños
