Friday Art & History Feature - Tomoe Gozen

Tomoe Gozen by Yuhime (http://yuhime.deviantart.com/art/Tomoe-Gozen-52393128)

When people think of Samurai warriors, they usually think of men. However, the wives and daughters of male samurai were also considered samurai. All of them adhered to the samurai values and principles, such as obedience, self-control, strength and loyalty, and learned enough self defense to be able to defend their home and family when the husbands were away fighting. In fact, a samurai woman had the responsibility to protect her home.

There were, however, a few samurai women in Japanese history who distinguished themselves as fighters and warriors on the battlefield. One such extraordinary woman was called Tomoe Gozen.

Tomoe Gozen

Tomoe Gozen by Yoshitoshi 1880, Library of Congress Prints Collection

Tomoe Gozen lived in the 12th century Japan and was a concubine of Minamoto no Yoshinaka, a late Heian Period general. According to some tales, she was one of his main captains and he often used her in battles.

"Tomoe was especially beautiful, with white skin, long hair, and charming features. She was also a remarkably strong archer, and as a swordswoman she was a warrior worth a thousand, ready to confront a demon or a god, mounted or on foot. She handled unbroken horses with superb skill; she rode unscathed down perilous descents. Whenever a battle was imminent, Yoshinaka sent her out as his first captain, equipped with strong armor, an oversized sword, and a mighty bow; and she performed more deeds of valor than any of his other warriors." - The Tale of the Heike

It's believed that she have fought in, the Genpai War (1180–1185), alongside Yoshinaka, and survived it. During that time, she is said to have taken at least one enemy head. However, Yoshinaka's forced were heavily outnumbered and eventually defeated. Yoshinaka sent Tomoe away before committing suicide.

Following her escape,Tomoe supposedly gave up the sword. According to some tales and legends, she was defeated by Wada Yoshimori, who was so smitten with her that she became his wife. After his death, she probably became a nun in Echizen.

While it is not hundred percent clear if Tomoe was a real historical figure, some manuscripts point to the fact that she was. She is an example of a true samurai woman, brave and loyal and ready to stand up to her enemies.

Tomoe Gozen with Uchida Ieyoshi and Hatakeyama no Shigetada. Woodblock print by Yōshū Chikanobu, 1899

Friday Art & History Feature - Boudica the Warrior Queen

Boudica - The Warrior Queen

I've always been fascinated with the legend and history of this Iceni (of British) heroine queen. Hers is a story of indomitable will, determination and courage in the face of danger, hardship and horror.

Boudica by Mina Olivier*

Two historical sources remain that give us some insight into the life of Boudica and the rebellion she led - Tacitus and Dio."Dio says that she was "possessed of greater intelligence than often belongs to women", that she was tall, had hair described as reddish-brown or tawny hanging below her waist, a harsh voice and a piercing glare, and habitually wore a large golden necklace (perhaps a torc), a many-coloured tunic, and a thick cloak fastened by a brooch^{." (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boudica)}

Boudica ruled the Iceni tribe, a warrior people, with her husband, Prasutagus. For awhile, the tribe remained independent of Rome and was a nominal ally. When Prasutagus died, he left half of the kingdom to the Roman Empire, and half to his wife and two daughters. However, the Romans had different ideas and took the whole of the Iceni kingdom as a conquered land. When Boudica protested, standing up for her people, she was ordered flogged and her daughters raped right in front of her.

Boadicea Haranguing the Britons by John Opie*

Following these events, Boudica was more determined than ever to see her people free and her kingdom independent of Rome. Around AD 60, she led a revolt against Rome and the Roman governor Gaius Seutonius Paulinus.

Boudica as portrayed by actress Alex Kingston*

Eventually, Boudica took her forces to Londinium (modern London). The Roman governor evacuated the city, and Boudica burned it to the ground. About 80,000 people were killed during the raids on three major towns. However, Romans were able to regroup and defeat the Britons. It is not clear what happened to Boudica after the Battle of Watling Street, where her defeat took place. She either killed herself to avoid capture or fell mortally ill - sources disagree on this count.

Statue at Westminster Bridge (1902). It's creation was sponsored by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's consort.

Boudica legend lives on and during the Victorian times, Queen Victoria herself was portrayed as the warrior queen. Boudica became one of the most important symbols of Great Britain.

Modern interpretation of Boudica (source: http://quickreaver.deviantart.com/art/Boudica-Modern-93726844)*

Disclosure: none of the images belong to me and are only used here for illustrative purposes.

Quote of the Day

A warrior does not give up what he loves, he finds the love in what he does.

 
― Dan Millman, Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives

Quote of the Day

Whenever a warrior decides to do something, he must go all the way, but he must take responsibility for what he does. No matter what he does, he must know first why he is doing it, and then he must proceed with his actions without having doubts or remorse about them.

- Carlos Castaneda