The Tale of the Heike, also known as Heike Monogatari, dates back centuries and was initially compiled before the 1330 Kenmu Restoration following the 12th Century Genpei War.
While there have been a number of retellings of the tale over the centuries, with Asahi Weekly's 1950's publication of New Tale of the Heike from historical novelist Eiji Yoshikawa garnering much credit for the resurgence in interest in the story.
The most recent adaptation of Heike Monogatari is an anime series on Funimation. Simply titled The Heike Story, the series began streaming last month and explores the famous tale through the lens of an orphan that predicts the bloodshed and civil war to come. Funimation recently teamed up with studio Science SARU and commissioned breathtaking artwork of the orphaned character, Biwa.
While the image above features Biwa surrounded by the symbolic sala flowers with exceptionally short lifespans, there is also a look at Biwa in her bard state, which we've included below.
Have you tuned into The Heike Story yet? Be sure to check out the trailer and synopsis below, and as always, share your thoughts in the usual spot!
A young orphan named Biwa is taken in by the powerful Taira Clan—also known as the Heike—after their leader witnesses her extraordinary psychic abilities. Unfortunately, what she predicts is a future of bloodshed, violence, and civil war. Inspired by the 12th-century epic tale Heike Monogatari.
The Heike Story is now streaming on Funimation.