Summary
The story of the Soga brothers is a tale of vengeance set in the late Heian period of the 12th century in the Izu region. Kudo Yasunori attempts to assassinate Ito Sukechika, but the arrow hits Sukechika's son, Kawazu Saburo. In her sorrow, his wife tells their two young sons, "When you grow up, I want you to avenge your father." The elder brother, Juro, vows, "One day, I will surely avenge our father," and the younger brother, Goro, engraves this in his heart.
As time passes, the two adopt the Soga surname, and although they are raised by their stepfather, they do not forget their desire for revenge. One day, Juro says to Goro, "Look, the geese are flying in a line. Our current father is not the same. Our true father was killed by Yasunori." Goro responds strongly, "When I meet Yasunori, I will shoot him with an arrow and behead him."
In 1193, upon hearing that Minamoto no Yoritomo is going on a hunting expedition, the brothers see it as an opportunity to avenge their father. That night, they find Yasunori's lodging and quietly sneak up on him. "Wake up, Yasunori! It’s Juro, the son of Kawazu Saburo!" Juro charges at Yasunori, and the brothers achieve their revenge for their father. "I am the son of Kawazu Saburo, Juro Yasunari, and Goro Tokitsugu!" they shout in victory. However, they are soon surrounded by Yasunori's retainers, and Juro falls in battle.
Goro is captured and brought before General Yoritomo. Calmly, Goro recounts his father's death and pleads for the hardships endured over the past eighteen years. "I reveal this because my father was shot to death. I am prepared for death." Yoritomo is moved and considers a lenient stance, but due to the plea of Yasunori's dog, Hoemaru, Goro is sentenced to death. The brothers lost their lives at the ages of 22 for Juro and 20 for Goro.
This tale of the Soga brothers is one of Japan's classic literary works, depicting love, vengeance, and the bond between parent and child. It was written during the Kamakura period and continues to be cherished by people today.
