The Thunder God's Revenge: Akugenta Yoshihira's Supernatural Retribution
- Re.JapBook
- Jan 30
- 1 min read
From Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's "New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts" Series
The Warrior's Last Words
This dramatic print depicts the supernatural fulfillment of Minamoto no Yoshihira's final vow. Known as Akugenta (The Fierce), Yoshihira was the eldest son of Minamoto no Yoshitomo and elder brother to the famous Yoritomo and Yoshitsune. Before his execution at the Rokujō riverbed in 1160, he made a chilling promise to his executioner, Nanba Tsunefusa: "I shall return as thunder to strike you dead."
The Fatal Prophecy
Eight years after Yoshihira's execution, Taira no Kiyomori and his retinue, including Tsunefusa, visited the Nunobiki Waterfall in present-day Kobe. Despite Tsunefusa's initial reluctance and sense of foreboding, he was persuaded to join the excursion.
The Supernatural Vengeance
As the group admired the waterfall, the sky suddenly darkened. A massive thundercloud appeared, focusing specifically on Tsunefusa. In a dramatic moment captured by Yoshitoshi, Yoshihira's spirit, transformed into lightning, struck his former executioner dead, fulfilling his vengeful promise.
The Aftermath
The black cloud briefly threatened Kiyomori himself before dissipating into the sky, leaving the Taira clan members deeply shaken by this demonstration of Yoshihira's supernatural revenge. The incident became a powerful reminder of the warrior's indomitable spirit and the reality of supernatural retribution.
Artistic Mastery
Yoshitoshi brilliantly combines his expertise in warrior prints with supernatural elements, creating a masterful composition that captures both the historical drama and the supernatural horror of this famous tale of vengeance from beyond the grave.
Comentários