Taira no Masakado: The First Samurai Deified as a God

Taira no Masakado is celebrated as Japan’s first samurai due to his leadership and rebellion against Kyoto's central government during the Heian period. Masakado, from an aristocratic family, lived as a rural knight in the northeast of present-day Tokyo. His legacy was defined by leading the first rebellion against the imperial rule.
Quickly and strategically, Masakado took control of several provinces, ousting local officials and seizing symbols of authority. According to the Shōmonki chronicle, a divine oracle proclaimed him as Japan's emperor, a claim that led to his downfall.
Legends speak of a mystical encounter where a goddess rendered Masakado almost invincible, save for one vulnerable spot. He was eventually betrayed, leading to his death by an arrow strike. His head was displayed in Kyoto, leaving his spirit restless as one of Japan's “Three Great Onryō.”
Over time, Masakado gained reverence as a god, with shrines built in his honor. He is seen as both a vengeful spirit and a protective deity. To this day, people visit his shrine in Tokyo, hoping for his favor or to appease his wrath.
This is the tale of Taira no Masakado: the divine rebel and vengeful spirit, who may still wield power in Japan’s spiritual realm.

00:00: Introduction04:01: Japan in the 10th century07:29: Ancestry & early life10:54: Family feud & rise of a legend (Shōmonki)19:46: Taking over regions of Japan (Shōmonki)22:19: Masakado becomes the New Emperor (Shōmonki)24:57: Masakado's letter to the capital (Shōmonki)31:05: Masakado's final battle & death34:50: Masakado's vengeful spirit & legacy
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See show notes: https://inlet.fm/history-profiles/episodes/68812359e07ae4dca3d56e53
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