Yoshikawa is the most versatile
historical novelist. His novels are outstanding, he describes an unforgettable
adventure and above all – a great epic story. The “ Musashi’ novel consists of seven books, each of them is dynamic and grapping. Page by page the reader finds out and
understands the mysteries of feudal, orient, archaic yet wonderful and powerful
Japan.
Book #1EARTH
It begins with a battle, a group of
samurais realized that they represent a small group of those who survived. They
do not remember much of the battle itself, they understand they must have
passed out while it was going on, however they see the treacherous
consequences of it. The Samurais are weak and wounded, full of fear and
uncertainty, they are looking for help, luckily they find one. A young woman – Oko gave them shelter in a
woodshed. For her it is also very dangerous, but, she gave them a chance. Cures
them, gives food and medical supplies for next time … Oko knows the enemies are
just right behind, there was time to rest, to heal wounds, but know, they all
have to leave, words of promises are left behind … like a foliage on the
ground, yet, much more solid, firm like steel. Our protagonist Musashi is
captured by the army of the enemy, luckily he is released.
Book#2WATER
The uneasy time still goes on and
on, Oko runs a teahouse and a brothel, she despite her intellect and wisdom
is married to a man who ones, perhaps, felt a devotion toward her, now what is left, is vain.
Vanity. Oko is responsible for it … she
doesn’t want him to work as a laborer. He is lazy, he wishes he hadn’t made that
mistake and married someone else. He wants to rob Oko and run away with goods. His plans are
disturbed by appearance of Musashi who challenges him. The goods and money runs
out like water itself. The greed finds its final end.
Book#3FIRE
Musachi used to be a famous warrior,
who challenged and defeated opponents. His soul is pure, his aim is clear, he
is good, yet, his life is not filled with happiness and success. He doesn’t
feel he is gifted, chosen. He blames Oko for it. All the blame for his
misfortune and misery he put on her. The blame lies with her. Now he sees how
weak he is, how miserable he became, he cannot lift a watermelon he wants to
eat, he feels he is nobody, on one important, not any longer. He has to find a
young warrior he is certain to have seen briefly - Sasaki Kojiro. Musashi
overhears lots of tales and stories which were told mouth to mouth. Changed its
meanings and sense. Musashi doesn’t give up, he wants to be a swordsman again, he
is looking for an opportunity and a master he could work for or with.
Book#4WIND
The fight of two sword masters is a fight between good and evil, between traditional Japanese virtues written in an Old Bushido Code. Something that cannot be changed, reversed. Musashi fights with Seijuro, he defeats him, seriously hurts, Seijuro’s arm is almost chopped off his body, he begs for mercy, he begs for his arm being cut off completely, so does happens. The duel has got a meaning, it is a check of endurance, loyalty, dignity, intellect and reason. Musashi has to prove he is skillful and cunning … another test comes far too soon…
Book#5SKY
Musashi encounters various fights,
one of them would have a fatal outcome, he would have been killed by a lance. After
recovering he wants revenge, he wants to undertake it again and kill Gonnosuke.
After rematch Masashi succeeded.
Book#6SUN&MOON
Kojiro contemplates, he was
searching for a perfect solution to live his life. He understood he doesn’t
want to be a samurai, after so many combats he gave up. It doesn’t make sense
to kill for a master, to be a swordsman. Home, his house it is what he wants,
it gives him a sense of security, a sense to belong to someone.
Book#7THE
PERFECT LIGHT
Musashi is a lone traveller, destined
to fight his destiny on his own, he will teach the rules of the
martial arts. Put his faith in Buddha.
This short and very brief summary
gives an insight on the life of an excellent ronin and swordsman, he was
undefeated and won more than 60 duels. He created and established two sword
techniques niten'ichi (二天一, "two heavens as one") or nitōichi (二刀一, "two swords as one"). His
techniques were mastered throughout centuries, he himself contemplated a lot, resorted
to Buddha. His techniques and styles were based on Bushido – its more delicate,
artistic nature.
Komentarze
Prześlij komentarz