Taiheiki

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The Taiheiki (Japanese: 太平記) is a Japanese historical epic (see gunki monogatari), written in the late 14th century. It deals primarily with the Nanboku-chō, the period of war between the Northern Court of Ashikaga Takauji in Kyoto, and the Southern Imperial Court of Emperor Go-Daigo in Yoshino.

The latest English translation consists of 12 chapters of the 40-chapter epic, and spans the period from Go-Daigo's accession in 1318, through his fall and expulsion in 1333, to his return to Kyoto in 1338. Go-Daigo, unlike many of the emperors before him, sought to supersede the power of the shoguns, and to actually rule in addition to reigning in name. Thus began a series of battles, both military and political, as the Fujiwara family, who dominated the regency, sought to retain power. These battles, political maneuvers, and other developments of the time are related in the Taiheiki.

Like most Japanese historical epics, the Taiheiki's tendencies towards drama and exaggeration are acknowledged, but the text is regarded as remaining mostly accurate. It is the primary source on many of the warriors and battles of this period, and also documents elements of the fall of the powerful and historically important Hōjō clan.