Ronin facts for kids
A rōnin (浪人) was a special kind of samurai in ancient Japan. Unlike most samurai, a rōnin did not have a master or lord to serve. This was a very important difference hundreds of years ago in Japan, as samurai were expected to be loyal to their lord.
The word "rōnin" can also describe a student in modern Japan. It refers to someone who did not pass their university entrance exams and is studying hard to try again next year.
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What Was a Rōnin?
In feudal Japan, a samurai's life was all about serving their lord. If a lord died, lost power, or if the samurai was banished, that samurai would become a rōnin. This meant they were "masterless." Being a rōnin was often seen as a difficult and sometimes shameful situation.
Why Did Samurai Become Rōnin?
There were several reasons why a samurai might become a rōnin:
- Their lord died: If a lord was killed in battle or passed away, and there was no new lord to serve, their samurai might become rōnin.
- They lost their lord's favor: A samurai could be dismissed by their lord for various reasons.
- Their clan was destroyed: If a samurai's family or group was defeated in war, they would lose their position.
- They chose to leave: Sometimes, a samurai might choose to leave their lord, though this was rare and often had serious consequences.
Life as a Masterless Samurai
Life for a rōnin could be very tough. Without a lord, they lost their regular income and social standing. Many rōnin struggled to find work and were sometimes seen with suspicion. Some rōnin became bodyguards, escorts, or even taught martial arts. Others might have become involved in less honorable activities to survive.
One of the most famous stories about rōnin is the tale of the Forty-seven rōnin. These samurai became masterless after their lord was forced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide). They spent years planning their revenge to honor their lord, showing extreme loyalty even after becoming rōnin.
Images for kids
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Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi showing Oishi Chikara, one of the Forty-seven rōnin
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Graves of the Forty-seven rōnin at Sengaku-ji
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Actors portraying rōnin on left and right, with employed samurai in the middle
See also
In Spanish: Rōnin para niños
