And here we are with the second of the values of Bushido; Courage. Or as it might also be termed given the nature of the Japanese; Valour.
This is a very important virtue to the Japanese as said, and one that they often tend to mingle with ‘Loyalty’ in their literature and films. The reason for this is that sure they recognize that courage is something that the wicked can have, but to the Samurai’s mind courage was something best bent towards serving others. Service is after all what the term Samurai truly means.
It is for this reason that the Japanese even to this day value it so much, as service, valour and self-sacrifice in the face of adversity is what they admire most. This has its roots in the ancient era when Prince Shotoku, one of their most illustrious historic figures passed over his claim to the throne, to push forward reforms and religious compromises within the ‘Empire’.
Another example of a figure embodying this virtue would be Sanada Yukimura, the ‘Lord of the Underdogs’ as he’s known. It was Sanada who resisted Tokugawa, despite the odds, his friends taking Tokugawa’s side and who kept on resisting though it meant certain death and though the lord for which he fought (Hideyori) didn’t properly appreciate him.
It might seem ridiculous to remain faithful and fight on for such a person, but to the ideals of bushido it isn’t the end result that matters so much as the fight itself. The idea is that so long as you make a stand for what is right, you have earned your place in paradise.
Doing the right thing is also important in their literature, with the likes of Minamoto no Yoshitsune shown to be a figure of immense personal courage in the Heike Monogatari, the second of Japan’s grand Homeric styled epics. Yoshitsune takes off to war despite being young and having a brother who hates him behind him, lording over him and he has nary a thought for himself or his own gain, never hesitating to do the right thing.
In dramas, one can see that his rival Taira no Kiyomori is often depicted as an exceptionally courageous individual also, who staked it all on reversing the old order that the people might enrich themselves on trade and better their sorry lot in life.
With regards to anime and manga, there are of course the likes of Son Goku, and his friends who exemplify this virtue. But if one looks at female heroines in literature one can easily find such examples as Sailor Moon, Yuri Ishtar from Anatolia Story.
The latter is a character who is thrust from modern Japan into the ancient Bronze Age, yet where other heroines in such stories remain wall-flowers waiting to be rescued, Yuri takes command of her situation swiftly enough and begins to strive to become a general, a Queen and a force of nature, for those she loves. Arguably one of the greats of modern Japanese literature, she stands as a major icon of courage.
In the West, one could find examples also; namely in the likes of Richard the Lionheart, who was amongst the bravest and most valiant of England’s Kings.
There is also Henry IV, who is remarkable for being one of the physically mightiest Kings in England’s history (and one of the most honourable).
There are women also who embody this virtue, such as Jehanne D’Arc or ‘Joan of Arc’ a shepherdess, who left home to go fight for her country that her people might have a better life and not be dominated by England at the time. In terms of literature Mark Twain’s wondrous epic about her, showcases just how brave she could be (and self-sacrificing).
There are others in modern history also, such as Charles De Gaulle, Rosa Parks, Patton, and Teddy Roosevelt. My gosh Roosevelt was courageous! The man feared nothing it seems (or so a cursory glance through the records surrounding him shows).
In regards to literature, let’s look to Zenobia, the love of Conan the Cimmerian (or Barbarian)’s life. A woman who nearly sacrificed her life for the man she loved, ensuring that not only he but the whole of the world could have a chance to resist the Dark Lord.
There is Han Solo, Luke Skywalker & Leia Organa-Solo who exemplify this virtue no less than Zenobia, overcoming great fear that others might have better lives or in service of others.
But the character in the West who probably best exemplifies this sort of courage would have to be Gawain, from the Arthurian myths. A pious nephew, devoted to the kingdom of Camelot, one who never shirks his duty especially to the peasants, to women and to orphans. Not only is he the personification of chivalry, but also bushido, so that Gawain is an interesting figure, one who if transplanted into Asia might well have thrived.
But it is also important to note as Gawain does in many stories, the difference between mindlessly charging forward (that is to say foolhardiness), and courage. True courage involves overcoming of one’s fear and wishing to protect that which is important to you, and not showing off what you can do or seeking to simply charge forward for its own sake.
The distinction is important, less men and women give way to folly, and a kind of primitive disregard not only for their own lives but the consequences of their own actions. Knowing when to charge and when to simply let things go is important, and is what separates the truly courageous from the foolish.
Remember though that it is not the absence of fear that makes a truly valorous individual, but rather the overcoming of fear. And the idea is also to risk all for others, a very important part of the Samuraic ideal of valour, as it means sacrifice and service. Ideals that all peoples I think could revere and look up to, and think could especially to-day appreciate.
Twain couldn't put "Joan of Arc" out under his own name originally because he was known for writing comedy and Americana, and "Joan" was neither. But it's of a piece with "The Prince And The Pauper" and "A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court", although the tone is more serious than both.
The trouble we have is looking at this kind of service being out of time and place.
Fate/Zero’s Banquet of Kings episode argues a question. Does the king serve the people or do the people serve the king? It is between Gilgamesh and Alexander saying the people serve the king. Artoira (The Arthur analog) says the king serves the people. Eastern vs Western thought, Antiquity vs middle ages romantic tradition.
I’m with Pope Cerebus, elect the guy as leader that makes the most sense and do what he says. Why did you choose a leader only to argue?
Cirinist ruin everything.