Shigemori’s Sermon—Origins of The Tale of the Heike & the Character of Taira no Shigemori with a reading of “The Admonition” from the Engyōbon Tale of the Heike
Professor Dan Sherer, Hebrew University
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Taira no Shigemori (1139-1179) is a strange figure in the Tale of the Heike. While he is only briefly at the center of action, his appearance is marked by his piety, loyalty, and calm demeanor, making him a perfect foil for his tempestuous father, Kiyomori.
Was the historical Shigemori like that? And how does Shigemori’s character relate to The Tale’s origins? I will briefly discuss Shigemori’s characterization, how it relates to the historical record, and why the authors chose him to play the role he did. In particular, we will look at how Shigemori’s role in the “Admonition” relates to the Agui school of Buddhist preachers, who not only were connected by blood to principal players in late 12th-century Kyoto, but had a hand in crafting what would become the Tale of the Heike.