Kuzu

国栖 Kuzu

1 Source and/or Related Material

Gempei Jōsuiki

2 Author

Unknown

3 Repertoire

Kanze, Hōshō, Komparu, Kongō, Kita

4 Synopsis

Emperor Tenmu (kokata), fleeing the capital, heads for Yoshino accompanied by a retainer (waki) and palanquin bearers (wakitsure). The group gets lost in the mountains and decides to rest at a house they come upon. Just then, the inhabitants of the house, an old man (maeshite) and an old woman (maetsure), return from fishing. The retainer explains the situation to the old couple, who are shocked to be in the Emperor’s presence but kindly invite them in. The man offers a fish to Tenmu to eat. After he has finished his meal, the man releases the remains of the fish into the river, and the fish mysteriously comes back to life and swims away. Everyone is overjoyed by this good omen. Then, however, soldiers (ai) come in pursuit of Tenmu. The elderly couple hide the Emperor under an overturned boat, and the old man deals with the soldiers with impressive rhetorical skill, finally sending them away. Tenmu’s party express their gratitude. That night, a heavenly maiden (nochitsure) comes to sing and dance. Enticed by the music, the avatar Zaō Gongen (nochishite) also appears. He promises to guard Tenmu and bless his future.