Tomoe Gozen

Tomoe Gozen was a legendary female samurai warrior who lived in Japan during the late Heian period (1180-1185). She rose to prominence for her bravery and skill in battle during the Genpei War, a bloody civil war that ultimately led to the establishment of the first shogunate in Japan.

Tomoe was renowned for her prowess in archery, swordsmanship, and horsemanship. She wielded a naginata, a weapon traditionally used by women, with exceptional skill and ferocity. Tomoe served as a loyal retainer and military advisor to Minamoto no Yoshinaka, a key figure in the Genpei War. She fought alongside him in numerous battles and is said to have saved his life on several occasions.