The Tale of the Heike (平家物語, Heike Monogatari) is a story that follows the fall of the Ise-Heishi branch of the Taira clan — popularly addressed as the Heike due to the epic — during the end of the Heian Period and beginnings of the Kamakura Period in Japanese history. It details the height of the family's power after their victories from the Hogen and Heiji Rebellions to the doom of their family leaders and final members.
The story of the Fujiwara family, known for its family battles, provides a narrative view of medieval culture, including Chinese history and Buddhism values. It is believed to have been first told orally by monks through biwa compositions and songs, or through reading the story aloud through twelve scrolls. The origin of the narrative has been disputed, but diaries from the Kamakura Period suggest it has existed since the 12th century, suggesting a possible author.
The Tale of the Heike is a Heian Period literary style that uses ancient Chinese characters and early Japanese hiragana. It features offbeat poetry and is a popular text for classical literary studies. The story falls under the genre of gunki monogatari, which presents historical events with fanciful exposition to emphasize heroism and bravery. However, the historical accuracy of the tale is debated, with some arguing it presents genuine facts and others accusing it of being "second-hand" information.
Perhaps the lashings at historical records is spurned because they denounce popular episodes within the epic. Nasu no Yoichi's name or his shot at the shores of Yashima, for instance, is not found within historical texts; the known figure of his clan that was listed to have been present historically was also at another location during the battle. Even if the tale roughly follows details listed within the Azuma Kagami, The Tale of the Heike still shares common traits for its genre by including religious feats of wonder and yokai.
Two recognized variations of the written version include Genpei Seisuiki and Genpei Tōjoroku. Like the original source, the authors for both books are unknown. However, the Genpei Seisuiki is criticized as the version that deviates the most from its argued inspiration and stays true to only half of the original story. As for why this has occurred, it is a hotly speculated topic amongst critics and a solid explanation has yet to be found. Genpei Tōjoroku is a shorter version of the text and is considered a modern adaption in literature structure compared to its roots.
Koei keeps an art piece by Mokumoku Serizawa that is dedicated to the Genpei War in the main building's drawing room. The rhinoceros beetle represents the Heike, the stag beetle holding the sword is the Genji, and the flute between them signifies Taira no Atsumori's flute.