The Story of the 47 Ronin

Introduction

The story of the 47 Ronin is one of the most famous samurai legends in Japan. It is a story about loyalty, honor, and revenge. This story happened more than 300 years ago, but people in Japan still remember it today. There are many plays, books, and movies about the 47 Ronin. Even Hollywood made a movie about it in 2013.

Who Were the Samurai?

Samurai were warriors in Japan. They followed a strict code called Bushido. This code taught them to be brave, loyal, and respectful. Every samurai served a lord. If a samurai lost his master, he became a ronin, which means a samurai without a master.

The Beginning of the Story

The story of the 47 Ronin started in the year 1701. Lord Asano was a nobleman in Japan. He had to serve at the emperor’s palace in Edo (now Tokyo). There, he met Lord Kira. Lord Kira was a high official, but he was not kind. He insulted Lord Asano many times. One day, Lord Asano became very angry and attacked Lord Kira with his sword. Lord Kira did not die, but hurting someone in the palace was a big crime. Because of this, Lord Asano had to kill himself. This was called seppuku, a ritual suicide for samurai.

The 47 Ronin’s Plan

After Lord Asano’s death, his samurai became ronin. They had no master, but they still wanted to serve him. They were very angry at Lord Kira. They wanted revenge, but they had to be careful. The government was watching them. If they attacked too soon, they would be arrested. So, the ronin waited and made a secret plan.

For two years, the ronin pretended to live normal lives. Some became workers, and some got married. They wanted Lord Kira to believe they had forgotten their master. But they were still planning.

The Attack

On a snowy night in December 1702, the 47 Ronin attacked Lord Kira’s house. They fought bravely and finally found Lord Kira. They took his head and placed it on Lord Asano’s grave. This was their way of honoring their master.

The End of the 47 Ronin

The 47 Ronin knew they had broken the law. But many people in Japan respected them. They thought the ronin showed great loyalty. The government decided they must die, but they were allowed to do seppuku instead of being executed. One by one, the 47 Ronin followed their master in death. They were buried next to him, and their graves became a famous place in Japan.

The Legacy of the 47 Ronin

The story of the 47 Ronin is still popular today. People see it as a lesson in loyalty and honor. Many movies, books, and plays tell this story. Their graves in Tokyo are visited by people from all over the world. The legend of the 47 Ronin will never be forgotten.

Conclusion

The story of the 47 Ronin teaches us about loyalty, bravery, and honor. It is a story that has been told for more than 300 years. If you enjoy history and samurai stories, this book will be a great read for you!

Jennifer Bassett Teacher, Editor, and Writer 

Inspiring Language Learners through Literature

Jennifer Bassett is a multifaceted educator, author, and advocate for language learners, known for her extensive contributions to English language education across the globe. Her illustrious career has taken her on a journey from classrooms to editorial boards, with each step dedicated to enhancing language acquisition through literature.

Jennifer's passion for teaching has led her to diverse corners of the world, including England, Greece, Spain, and Portugal. Her extensive experience as a teacher, teacher trainer, and materials writer has provided her with invaluable insights into the intricacies of language learning and instruction.

One of Jennifer's most significant roles is that of Series Editor for the Oxford Bookworms Library. In this capacity, she has curated a remarkable collection of original and retold stories designed to engage and empower language learners. Her contributions to the series, which include titles such as "The Phantom of the Opera," "One-Way Ticket," "The President's Murderer," and "William Shakespeare," have enriched the literary landscape of language education.

Jennifer's commitment to crafting engaging and accessible stories for language learners has not gone unnoticed. Her adaptations, including "Rabbit-Proof Fence" and "Love Among the Haystacks," have earned prestigious Language Learner Literature Awards. Additionally, three of her other titles have been recognized as finalists for these awards, highlighting the enduring appeal of her work.

In her role as a creator and innovator, Jennifer has introduced a new sub-series called "Bookworms World Stories." These collections of short stories, originally written in English from diverse corners of the world, offer language learners a window into different cultures and perspectives, enriching their language journey.

Jennifer's dedication to inspiring language learners through literature extends beyond the Oxford Bookworms Library. She has also penned original stories for the English Today Readers and Storylines series, further expanding her reach in the field of language education.

As a co-adviser, alongside H.G. Widdowson, of the Oxford Bookworms Collection, Jennifer has played an instrumental role in bringing unadapted short stories to advanced learners. Her commitment to providing diverse and authentic reading experiences for language learners reflects her unwavering belief in the power of literature to foster language proficiency and cultural understanding.

Jennifer Bassett's remarkable career embodies the fusion of education and literature, serving as an enduring source of inspiration for language learners and educators alike. Through her work, she has illuminated the path to language mastery with the transformative magic of storytelling.