Episode 9 of Chapter 11 is an incredible turning point in the story of the Heike. It is one of the most famous scenes and and has been recreated in film as well. At this point in the battle of Dan-no-Ura, it is inevitable that that the Minamoto are going to win the battle and eventually the war. The young Emperor Antoku is only 8 at this time and is being held by his grandmother Lady Nii. The Taira women all know their fate is sealed and must make the decision to either be captured and most likely killed, or die on their own terms by drowning themselves.
Rather than being captured Lady Nii, still holding the young emperor decides to jump into the water holding the sword that is part of the imperial regalia. Before she jumps over the side of the boat she exclaims, “I may be a woman, but I will not let the enemy take me. No, Your Majesty, I shall accompany you. All those loyal to our sovereign follow me!” Here she takes back the control, acknowledging her place as a woman with little power, and in this case she all the power in her hands, literally and metaphorically. She keeps talking to the young boy explaining how the karma from his past lives is what made Antoku the soverign, but it is also what is bringing him to his death. Lady Nii believes that the evil from his father and his grandfather, have led the Taira to this point and their ultimate demise. Many of the nuns follow the young emperor into the water. Some are snatched up by the Minamoto, while others are successful. This is also the scene where the sword of the imperial regalia is lost forever, inspiring many myths and legends.