Minamoto no Yukiie facts for kids
Minamoto no Yukiie (源 行家, died June 1, 1186) was an important Japanese warrior from the Minamoto family. He was the brother of Minamoto no Yoshitomo. Yukiie was a leader in the Minamoto army during a big war called the Genpei War. This war happened at the end of the Heian period in Japan's history.
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Minamoto no Yukiie's Early Battles
Minamoto no Yukiie faced some tough challenges early in the Genpei War. He was a commander for the Minamoto family.
Defeat at Sunomatagawa
In the year 1181, Yukiie fought in a battle called the Battle of Sunomatagawa. He was defeated by a strong warrior named Taira no Shigehira, who was from the rival Taira family. This was a difficult loss for Yukiie and his forces.
Retreat to Yahagigawa
After the defeat at Sunomatagawa, Yukiie and his army had to retreat. They fled towards the Yahagigawa bridge. Yukiie tried to destroy the bridge to stop the Taira army from following them. However, the Taira warriors caught up quickly.
Battle of Yahagigawa
The Taira army attacked Yukiie's forces at the Yahagigawa bridge. This fight was known as the Battle of Yahagigawa. Yukiie's army was defeated again. Luckily for Yukiie, the Taira leader, Taira no Tomomori, became sick. Because of this, the Taira army stopped chasing Yukiie. This gave Yukiie a chance to escape.
Joining Forces and Changing Sides
Minamoto no Yukiie often changed who he supported during the war. He tried to pick the side that would help him the most.
Siege of the Capital
In the summer of 1183, Yukiie joined another Minamoto leader, Minamoto no Yoshinaka. Together, they surrounded the capital city of Japan. This forced the Taira family leader, Taira no Munemori, to flee. He took the young emperor with him. However, the retired emperor, Emperor Go-Shirakawa, stayed and joined Yoshinaka's side.
Plotting Against Yoritomo
For a while, Yukiie worked with Minamoto no Yoshinaka. They planned against Minamoto no Yoritomo, who was the main leader of the Minamoto family. But then, Yoshinaka suggested a very risky plan. He wanted to kidnap the retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa.
Betrayal and New Alliances
Yukiie did not agree with Yoshinaka's plan to kidnap the emperor. So, he decided to betray Yoshinaka. Yukiie told Emperor Go-Shirakawa about the plan. The emperor then told Minamoto no Yoritomo. After this, Yukiie changed sides again. He allied himself with Minamoto no Yoshitsune. This was under orders from the emperor, and they were now against Yoritomo.
The End of Yukiie
Minamoto no Yukiie was captured in the year 1186. He was killed on the orders of Minamoto no Yoritomo.
