Mori Ranmaru

Quick Facts: Who was Mori Ranmaru?

Subject:

Mori Ranmaru

Known for:

Samurai retainer to the Oda clan, famed for loyalty during Nobunaga's era.

Born:

1565

Died:

1582-06-21

Century / Era:

1565s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Mori Ranmaru (森 蘭丸; Japanese pronunciation: [mo.ɾʲi (|) ɾam.ma.ɾɯ], 1565 – June 21, 1582), also known as Mori Naritoshi (森 成利), was a samurai retainer to the Oda clan. He was son of Mori Yoshinari, and had 5 brothers in total, from the province of Mino. He was a member of the Mori Clan, descendants of the Seiwa Genji. From an early age, Ranmaru was a retainer to Oda Nobunaga. Recognized for his talent and loyalty, he was appointed to a responsible post.

Career & Major Achievements

At Ōmi, he was given 500 koku, and after Takeda Katsuyori's death, he was awarded the 50,000 koku at Iwamura Castle. Ranmaru and his younger brothers defended Oda Nobunaga during the Honnō-ji Incident and allowed him to commit seppuku. Ranmaru and the rest of his retainers ignited the temple in which they had barricaded themselves. The fire killed everyone inside and burned the body of Nobunaga, therefore preventing it from being found by the rebels. In nanshoku literature of the Edo period, it was commonly depicted that Oda and Mori had a sexual relationship that was commonly found in those times.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Father: Mori Yoshinari (1523–1570) Mother: Myōkōni (d. 1596) Brothers: Mori Yoshitaka (1552–1570) Mori Nagayoshi (1558–1584) Mori Bōmaru (1566–1582) Mori Rikimaru (1567–1582) Mori Tadamasa (1570–1634) Ranmaru has often been the subject of works of art since the Edo period, and continues to be seen in various forms of modern fictional media today. Due to admiration for his loyalty, Ranmaru has been depicted as a loyal page of Nobunaga in various works of classical Japanese art. Such works include ukiyo-e prints by artists such as Kuniyoshi, Yoshitoshi, and Toshihide. He has also been a character in kabuki plays such as Tsuruya Namboku IV's Toki-ha Ima Kikyô no Hataage.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1523: 1523 Milestone — Father: Mori Yoshinari (1523–1570) Mother: Myōkōni (d.
2. 1565: Birth of Mori Ranmaru — Samurai retainer to the Oda clan, famed for loyalty during Nobunaga's era.
3. 1582 (1582-06-21): Passing & Historical Legacy — Mori Ranmaru passed away on 1582-06-21, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
4. 1596: 1596 Milestone — 1596) Brothers: Mori Yoshitaka (1552–1570) Mori Nagayoshi (1558–1584) Mori Bōmaru (1566–1582) Mori Rikimaru (1567–1582) Mori Tadamasa (1570–1634) Ranmaru has often been the subject of works of art since the Edo period, and continues to be seen in various forms of modern fictional media today.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Mori Ranmaru

True or False: “Mori Ranmaru was primarily known for his military prowess in battle against rival clans.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While a capable retainer, he is more historically noted for his unwavering loyalty to Oda Nobunaga, particularly during the Honnō-ji Incident.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Mori Ranmaru