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Samurai: Myth vs. Reality Revealed
11 Feb
Summary
- Samurai legacy is more complex than popular culture suggests.
- British Museum exhibition aims to debunk samurai myths.
- Samurai were not a single, uniform group throughout history.
The samurai's influence extends from medieval times to modern films and games, creating a singular cultural phenomenon. However, their popular image as fearless, loyal, and uniquely Japanese warriors is largely a myth.
The British Museum's new exhibition aims to dispel these fantasies and unveil the samurai's true, compelling history. Curator Rosina Buckland notes that the samurai were not a static group throughout history. They emerged and gained power as warriors in the Middle Ages, but their identity encompassed more than just combat.
This exhibition challenges the Western perception of samurai, highlighting the complex reality behind the legend. It seeks to provide a more nuanced understanding of these influential figures.
