Minamoto no Yorimitsu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Minamoto no Yorimitsu
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源 頼光
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Minamoto no Yorimitsu, picture was drawn by Kikuchi Yōsai（菊池容斎）
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| Head of Settsu Genji | |
| Succeeded by | Unknown |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Monjumaru 948 |
| Died | 29 August 1021 (aged 72–73) |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Spouses | Daughter of Fujiwara no Motohira Daughter of Taira no Koretaka Daughter of Yoshishige no Tamemasa |
| Children | Minamoto no Yorikuni Minamoto no Yorimoto Eiju Minamoto no Yoriaki Fujiwara no Michitsuna's wife |
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| Relatives | Minamoto no Tsunemoto (grandfather) Minamoto no Yorichika (brother) Minamoto no Yorinobu (brother) |
| Nickname | Minamoto no Raikō |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Minamoto clan |
| Branch/service | Minamoto clan |
Minamoto no Yorimitsu (源 頼光, 948 – August 29, 1021), also known as Minamoto no Raikō, was a famous Japanese samurai and a folk hero. He lived during the Heian period (794 to 1185 AD). Yorimitsu worked for the powerful Fujiwara clan, who were like regents (people who rule for a king or queen).
He and his brother, Yorinobu, helped the Fujiwara clan with tough tasks they couldn't do themselves. Yorimitsu is one of the first members of the Minamoto clan to be known for his military skills. He became famous for stopping bandits (robbers) in a place called Ōeyama.
Yorimitsu was very loyal, and because of this, he became a governor of several provinces. These included Izu Province and Kozuke. He also held important government jobs. He was a commander in the Imperial Guard and a secretary in the Ministry of War. When his father, Minamoto no Mitsunaka, passed away, Yorimitsu took over the leadership of Settsu Province.
Minamoto no Yorimitsu is often shown with his four trusted helpers. They were legendary warriors known as the Shitennō. Their names were Watanabe no Tsuna, Sakata no Kintoki, Urabe no Suetake, and Usui Sadamitsu.
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What Are Minamoto no Yorimitsu's Legends?
Minamoto no Yorimitsu appears in many exciting stories and legends. These tales often show him fighting against supernatural creatures or powerful enemies.
The Legend of Shuten Dōji
One famous legend is about Shuten-dōji, a powerful oni (a type of demon or ogre). Yorimitsu and his four loyal warriors went to Ōeyama mountain to defeat Shuten Dōji. Two famous swords are linked to this story. The 'Dōjigiri' sword, now a National Treasure in Japan, is said to have been used by Yorimitsu to cut off Shuten Dōji's head. Another sword, 'Onikirimaru', also has a similar legend.
The Legend of Tsuchigumo
Another legend tells of Yorimitsu fighting a giant spider-like creature called a Tsuchigumo. Three swords, all named 'Hizamaru', are part of this legend. It is said that Yorimitsu used one of these swords to defeat the Tsuchigumo.
Yorimitsu in Festivals
The Karatsu Kunchi festival in Karatsu City celebrates these legends. During the festival, there is a large parade float. It looks like Minamoto no Yorimitsu's helmet, with the oni Shuten Dōji trying to eat it.
Who Was in Minamoto no Yorimitsu's Family?
Minamoto no Yorimitsu had a family that included several children.
- Mother: Daughter of Minamoto no Suguru
- Father: Minamoto no Mitsunaka
- Wife: Daughter of Fujiwara no Motohira
- 1st son: Minamoto no Yorikuni
- Wife: Daughter of Taira no Koretaka
- 2nd son: Minamoto no Yoriie
- Wife: Daughter of Yoshishige no Tamemasa
- 3rd son: Minamoto no Yorimoto
- 4th son: Eiju
- 5th son: Minamoto no Yoriaki
- Daughter: Fujiwara no Michitsuna's wife
Images for kids
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An ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock print) by Yoshitoshi. It shows Minamoto no Yorimitsu's helpers fighting Shuten-dōji on Ōeyama.
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Two tsuba (sword guards) showing Yorimitsu fighting a tsuchigumo with his sword 'Hizamaru'.
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An illustration from a Yomihon (story book) about Yorimitsu and his elite warriors defeating bandits.
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Another ukiyo-e by Yoshitoshi, showing Minamoto no Yorimitsu and Kintarō (Sakata no Kintoki).
See also
- Minamoto clan
- Seiwa Genji
- Toki clan
- Dōjigiri
