Taira Masakado (平將門) (role )

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Biography:

Masakado was a historical figure who loomed large later in fantastic lore as presented in the theater, in books, etc.

"Son of Yoshimasa, received the name Sōma Shōjirō. He served the Sesshō Fujiwara Tadahiro, and demanded the office of Kebiishi, but was refused. In revenge he retired to Kwantō, settled in the district of Toyota (Shimōsa) and began a guerilla warfare in the surrounding country. He attacked his uncle Kunika, governor of Hitachi, and put him to death (935). The following year, Yoshikane, brother of Kunika, with Sadamori attacked him, but were defeated and forced to take refuge in Kyōto. After Yoshikane's death (939), Masakado occupied Shimōsa, Shimotsuke and Kōzuke. He then assumed the title of Heishin-ō (new emperor Taira), established his court at Ishii (Shimōsa), named ministers and officials, etc. In the meantime, Fujiwara Sumitomo, to whom Masakado had promised the Kwampaku dignity, revolted in Saikadō. In 940, Fujiwara Tadabumi, who had received the title of Seitō-taishōgun, marched against Masakado with a large army. He came too late however, for Sadamori, with the help of Fujiwara Hidesato, and Ōryōshi from Shimotsuke, had already attacked the rebel, defeated and pursued him for 13 days, finally overtaking him at Kōjima (Shimōsa). In the last encounter, Masakado, having been wounded by an arrow, fell from his horse. Hidesato leaped to the ground, killed the wounded man, and sent his head to Kyōto. The revolt is known in history by the name of Tenkei no ran."