Tale of the Heike

The "Tale of the Heike" is a classic Japanese epic that recounts the tumultuous conflict between the Taira (Heike) and Minamoto (Genji) clans during the late 12th century, focusing on themes of honor, tragedy, and impermanence. Through poetic narratives, it illustrates the rise and fall of noble families amid warfare, emphasizing the fleeting nature of power and life's impermanence—key concepts in Buddhist philosophy. As a foundational work of Japanese literature, it blends historical events with storytelling to explore human virtues and follies during a pivotal period in Japan's history.