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Tomoe Gozen was a skilled female samurai during the Genpei War. Her strength and courage surpassed her male counterparts. Her fate in battle is debated, but her legend lives on in Japanese literature and media.
Tomoe Gozen was a female samurai during the Genpei War of 1180–1185 AD Although female warriors were not uncommon in Japan at the time, Tomoe is one of a very few female samurai, highly trained and skilled in horse riding, shooting, and bow and sword fighting. She was a senior captain of General Minamoto no Yoshinaka, and also her attendant or consort of him, depending on the source. Her surname is not known, as Gozen is simply a title, somewhat like “Lady”.
The earliest written source about Tomoe Gozen is from the 14th-century Japanese classic, The Tale of the Heike, which itself derives from oral tradition. This source describes her as almost supernaturally strong, very beautiful, and surpassing her male counterparts in skill and courage.
On February 21, 1184, Yoshinaka and Tomoe Gozen fought a decisive battle against Yoshinaka’s cousin Minamoto no Yoritomo. Yoshinaka’s forces were outnumbered, and Yoshinaka, knowing he had lost the battle, urged Tomoe to flee. The Tale of the Heike tells that she obeyed him, but after capturing a head from the enemy.
Other sources vary widely in their description of his actions during this final battle. Some say she escaped with Yoshinaka’s head to prevent him from falling into enemy hands. Others say she refused to leave Yoshinaka, fighting alongside him until both of them died. Even those who say she escaped with her life have alternate endings; she committed suicide or became a nun after Yoshinaka’s death.
The mystery and legend surrounding Tomoe’s life, coupled with her extraordinary skill, valor, and beauty, have led some to believe she was the reincarnation of an ancient Japanese river goddess. In any case, she has remained a favorite in Japanese literature and lore to this day. Versions of Tomoe Gozen can be seen in manga, anime and drama in Japan, as well as a trilogy of fantasy novels by American author Jessica Amanda Salmonson.
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