Now to the place where historical Kagetora died: the sight of Samegao castle.
Again, this place is mentioned more than once, and in vol. 5 prologue Kagetora has a dream about the siege of Samegao:
Samegao Castle was strategically placed on the Shinetsu border. Horie, the master of this castle, had been a trusted ally. He had fled Echigo only to be betrayed at the very last. The Echigo border was just beyond the castle. He would probably be able to throw off his pursuers if he could cross over the mountains. But Kagekatsu’s massive army had already completely surrounded the castle and reduced the land around it to ashes.
***
He cast his gaze across the Echigo plains. He could see a small light in the distant north—the light of the lands around Kasugayama? He closed his eyes tightly.
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Samegao castle stood on a hill overlooking the flatlands of Echigo. Now there's nothing there, just a pretty view. On a clear day you can see the sea in the distance, and also the hills where Kasugayama castle stood (I was surprised how close it is; Kagetora could have really seen the lights).
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Thank you for this new photo ! ^^
Beautiful pic. Now, there I have actually been: it was the one Mirage pilgrimage stop I managed to make on my brief trip to Japan. I remember that view! It was a very moving experience. And funny enough, I didn't think much of Mirage. My thoughts were much more with the historical Kagetora; it all felt very real.
For me it's hard to even think of historical Kagetora. It feels very weird, like, there's this character I know so well in my head, and then there was this obscure real person I know absolutely nothing about. I can only imagine how his life was, but then again my imagination is heavily influenced by Mirage, so most of the time I try not to think of him at all. It feels more respectful this way.
By the way, there's more photos in my album on Flickr (just click on the picture or follow the link below it).
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...most of the time I try not to think of him at all. It feels more respectful this way.
That makes perfect sense.