Throughout Book 8, characters declare loyalty to three different sides: the Taira, the Minamoto, and Former Emperor Go-Shirakawa. Allegiance to each of these sides is often depicted by detailing the characteristics or actions of the leader. Within the Minamoto, there are two men who continue to be increasingly more powerful leaders, Minamoto no Yoritomo and Kiso no Yoshinaka. On the other hand, the Taira are at this point being led by Munemori, who is struggling to re-establish power. Lastly, the former Emperor Go-Shirakawa has for a long time been a voice of reason and has a solid backing.
The Taira
Koreyoshi pushes the Taira out of Dazaifu. This chapter shows the continuation of the fall of the Taira and their attempt to regain power from the Minamoto, specifically in the Battle of Mizushima and Battle at Muroyama. It is tough to declare allegiance to a side falling out of power.
The Minamoto
Throughout chapter eight, Minamoto no Yoritomo and Kiso no Yoshinaka are characterized. Yoritomo serves as a more level-headed aristocratic leader, while Yoshinaka is referred to as a “country bumpkin” as he does not understand the aristocratic customs and behaviors. There is a development of multiple factions in the Minamoto here based on the differences between Yoritomo and Yoshinaka.
Former Emperor Go-Shirakawa
Go-Shirakawa begins to regain power by commanding his followers to destroy the Taira, stripping the Taira of their official positions, and appointing a new child emperor, Go-Toba. With news spreading of His Cloistered Eminence going to Mt. Hiei, people have congregated there. Even a respected Taira soldier, Koreyoshi, declares his loyalty to Go-Shirakawa when he is forced to expel the Taira from Kyushu.
Discussion: Why Would People Declare Allegiance?
Some Ideas:
Familiarity – Growing up in a specific region can make an impact on people from a young age. Maybe they like to support their hometown roots.
Economic Motivations – Those who people declare loyalty to can provide food and shelter for supporters and their families.
Fighting for a Cause – Declaring allegiance can be motivated by beliefs or values of what one thinks is right or worth fighting for.