photo #1950869

Soheis Noines Guerriers)These dreadful monks soldiers appeared very early in the history of Japan. Initially called Hôshi Musha ( 法) or Akusô ( 悪), their bellique reputation is closely linked to their character. Guardians of the temples, these armed warriors, covered in monastic garments over their armour, did not hesitate to provoke or attack either inhabitants or warriors of the Imperial Court. Usually walking in a band, and sometimes wearing sacred relics to give themselves religious legitimacy, these soldiers could sow terror wherever they went.It was the Sohei du Todai-Ji who started the first fights in 949, but the monks of Enryaku-ji from Mount Hiei (east of Kyoto) were the most dangerous. Not happy to mess with other Buddhist temples, these soldiers descended several times to Kyoto to get official posts and financial benefits, in exchange for their "protection". Ahead of the success of these operations, these Sohei are becoming more and more greedy and do not hesitate to multiply raids on the capital.During the War of Gempei (1180-1185) which would allow the Bushis caste to take control of Japan at the imperial court, the Soheis were highly requested by both the Taira and Minamoto to enlarge the ranks of their countries oops, thus revealing the excellent warrior quality Monks of soldiers. During the Sengoku Jidai period, these Soheis evolved into the famous Ikko-Ikkis that Nobunaga has fought for many years, and ended up almost completely defeating the fall of Enryaku-ji in 1571, then Ishiyama Honganji in 15 80.Although the Naginata is very often associated with the Sohei, they also excelled in handling many weapons such as the Yari (lance) or the Yumi (Arc). They also used a large iron stick (Kanabô 金) which they used as a mass.Despite their reputation, the most well-known legendary figure of the Soheis remains that of Benkei, the faithful companion of Minamoto no Yoshitsune who will be devoted to him to death and will enter the legend with him. This will lighten the terrible image of these warriors a bit.©Charles-Pierre Serain (04 April 2020)