Unveiling the Historical Accuracy of Ghost of Tsushima

Unveiling the Historical Accuracy of Ghost of Tsushima

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Historical Background of Ghost of Tsushima 2.1 The Mongolian Invasion of Tsushima 2.2 The Battle at Komoda Beach 2.3 The Role of Lord Shimura and Jin Sakai 2.4 The Message to the Japanese Mainland
3. The Real and In-Game Events of the Invasion 3.1 The Mongols' Capture of Tsushima 3.2 The Role of the Bow and Katana in Battle 3.3 The Use of Smoke Bombs and Cannons 3.4 The Influence of Poison in the Game
4. The Samurai Code of Honour in Ghost of Tsushima 4.1 Historical Accuracy of the Samurai Code 4.2 Creative Liberties in Implementing Honour
5. Other Historical Elements in Ghost of Tsushima 5.1 Inari Shrines and the Worship of Foxes 5.2 Sashimono Banners and Identification in Battle 5.3 Singing Crickets and Symbolism of Autumn 5.4 Haikus in the Game: Historical Inaccuracy
6. Conclusion

The Historical Accuracies and Inaccuracies of Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima is a highly acclaimed historical action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions. Set in the 13th century during the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island in Japan, the game intertwines historical events with fictional storytelling. In this article, we will Delve into the historical accuracies and inaccuracies portrayed in Ghost of Tsushima, examining the real-life events and their representation in the game.

1. Introduction

Ghost of Tsushima has captivated players with its stunning visuals, immersive gameplay, and a compelling narrative inspired by the real invasion of Tsushima by the Mongolian army. While the game serves as a fictionalized account of historical events, it successfully captures the essence of feudal Japan and pays homage to its traditions and culture.

2. The Historical Background of Ghost of Tsushima

2.1 The Mongolian Invasion of Tsushima

The Mongolian invasion of Tsushima in 1274 marked a pivotal moment in Japanese history. Under the leadership of Kublai Khan, the Mongolian army set its sights on Japan, starting with Tsushima Island. In the game, Sucker Punch portrays this invasion as a central event, introducing players to the brave samurai and their struggle to defend their land.

2.2 The Battle at Komoda Beach

One of the crucial battles depicted in Ghost of Tsushima is the Battle at Komoda Beach. Historically, the jitodai (deputy jito) of Tsushima, So Sukekuni, organized a defense against the Mongol invaders at Komoda Beach. In the game, Lord Shimura, the island's jito, leads the defense alongside 80 mounted samurai. This battle serves as a turning point in the game's narrative, highlighting the resilience and determination of the samurai against overwhelming odds.

2.3 The Role of Lord Shimura and Jin Sakai

Lord Shimura, the uncle of the main protagonist Jin Sakai, plays a pivotal role in Ghost of Tsushima. Captured by the Mongols, Lord Shimura becomes a symbol of hope and resistance for the people of Tsushima. Jin, driven by a desire to save his uncle and protect his homeland, embarks on a Journey to become the "Ghost" and employ unorthodox tactics to defeat the Mongol threat.

2.4 The Message to the Japanese Mainland

In both history and the game, messengers were dispatched from Tsushima to inform the Japanese mainland of the invasion. These messengers played a vital role in rallying support and requesting additional samurai warriors to aid in the defense against the Mongols. Ghost of Tsushima accurately portrays the urgency and danger associated with delivering such a message during a time of war.

3. The Real and In-Game Events of the Invasion

3.1 The Mongols' Capture of Tsushima

The game accurately reflects the Mongols' capture of Tsushima, including the destruction of buildings and the loss of many lives. However, the Mongols' ultimate defeat on the island differs from history, where they proceeded to Iki Island and then mainland Japan. The game compresses the timeline and focuses on the samurai's struggle to retake their homeland.

3.2 The Role of the Bow and Katana in Battle

Ghost of Tsushima showcases the importance of both the bow and katana in combat. The samurai primarily wielded the katana, a traditional Japanese sword that became synonymous with their warrior code. However, historical records indicate that during the invasion, tachi swords were used instead of katanas. Sucker Punch's decision to prioritize gameplay and the iconic symbol of the katana over strict historical accuracy is a creative choice that enhances the player's experience.

3.3 The Use of Smoke Bombs and Cannons

In the game, Jin Sakai employs smoke bombs to gain tactical advantages over his enemies. While the use of smoke bombs in 13th-century Japan may not have been widespread, it is possible that the Mongols introduced gunpowder-Based weaponry during their invasion. The developers extrapolated this possibility and incorporated it into Jin's arsenal. Similarly, the Mongols' use of cannons to burn down towns and fortifications in the game aligns with historical mentions of their siege tactics.

3.4 The Influence of Poison in the Game

Ghost of Tsushima explores the idea of poison as a weapon, both in gameplay mechanics and narrative. Jin learns to craft poison from his caretaker, Yuriko, using wolfsbane in the game. While the use of poison-tipped arrows was historically accurate during the Mongol invasion, the specific influence of poison captured in the game's storyline is a fictional element. Nonetheless, it adds depth to the gameplay and contributes to the overall tension of the narrative.

4. The Samurai Code of Honour in Ghost of Tsushima

4.1 Historical Accuracy of the Samurai Code

Ghost of Tsushima portrays the samurai's code of honour as a central theme, emphasizing the conflict between traditional samurai values and the need to employ unconventional tactics to defeat the Mongols. While the game's representation of the samurai code is compelling, it is not entirely historically accurate. The tenet of "honour" associated with the samurai code did not emerge until the 14th century, while the events of the game take place in the 13th century. This fictionalized aspect adds depth to the characters and drives the narrative tension.

4.2 Creative Liberties in Implementing Honour

The developers of Ghost of Tsushima took creative liberties by incorporating the concept of honour into the narrative. While not historically grounded in the samurai code of the 13th century, the implementation of honour as a point of contention within the game provides the players with a moral and philosophical dilemma. This departure from strict historical accuracy serves to enhance the storytelling and character development.

5. Other Historical Elements in Ghost of Tsushima

5.1 Inari Shrines and the Worship of Foxes

Ghost of Tsushima includes 49 shrines dedicated to the deity Inari, represented by foxes. The real-life worship of Inari and the presence of inari shrines dates back to the 9th century in Japan. These shrines, though not as numerous as portrayed in the game, pay homage to the deity associated with agriculture, prosperity, and success.

5.2 Sashimono Banners and Identification in Battle

The game features sashimono banners, which historically served as identification markers for soldiers in feudal Japan. This practice was particularly significant during the Sengoku period (15th to 17th century), encompassing the Mongol invasion. The inclusion of sashimono banners in Ghost of Tsushima accurately reflects historical practices and adds authenticity to the gameplay.

5.3 Singing Crickets and Symbolism of Autumn

Ghost of Tsushima introduces collectible singing crickets, highlighting their symbolic significance as signs of autumn. In Japanese culture, crickets were associated with autumn as early as the 10th century. Keeping crickets in cages for their melodic chirping was a practice that existed in China as early as the 8th century and potentially made its way to Japan by the 13th century. The game's portrayal of singing crickets aligns with historical observations.

5.4 Haikus in the Game: Historical Inaccuracy

Ghost of Tsushima offers players the opportunity to Compose haikus, three-line poems following a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. However, during the 13th century, the form closest to haiku was called hokku, functioning as the opening stanza of renga poetry. The stand-alone haiku did not emerge until the 17th century. While the game takes liberties with the historical evolution of haiku, the inclusion of this poetic feature allows players to engage with Japanese culture and aesthetics.

6. Conclusion

Ghost of Tsushima successfully combines historical events with fictional storytelling, creating an immersive experience that captures the spirit of feudal Japan. While the game takes certain creative liberties and compresses historical timelines, it pays homage to Japanese traditions and culture. Sucker Punch's Attention to Detail and the inclusion of authentic historical elements add depth and realism to the game, making it an enriching experience for players.