Tomoe Gozen
Woman Warrior of the Heike Monogatari
Tomoe Gozen is a legendary warrior from the Heike Monogatari, the only female warrior to make an appearance in the tale. Throughout Japanese history there are few examples of women in combat, and Tomoe Gozen certainty provides a formidable example. This website explores what happens to the mythic character of Tomoe after the Gempei War (1180-1185), including the legends she appears in, the art she inspired, and the characters that are based off of her in modern popular culture in Japan and throughout the rest of the world.