Mori Ranmaru (森 成利; 1565 - Kyoto, June 21, 1582), born as Mori Nagasada (森 成利), was the son of Mori Yoshinari, and had five brothers in total, from Mino province. He was a member of the Mori clan, descendants of Seiwa Genji.
Mori Ranmaru Biography
From an early age, he was placed in the service of Oda Nobunaga. Recognized for his talent and loyalty, Nobunaga entrusted him with important positions. At Ōmi, he was given 500 koku, and after the death of Takeda Katsuyori, he was awarded 50,000 koku at Iwamura Castle.
Ranmaru and his younger brothers perished during the Honnō-ji Incident, defending their lord Oda Nobunaga. Nobunaga's last words were: Ran! Make sure they don't get in!.
His young follower had managed to burn down the temple of Honnō-ji, so that none of the traitor Akechi Mitsuhide's troops could enter and claim Nobunaga's head.
Ranmaru's courage and devotion are remembered throughout history, and especially during the Edo period, for his willingness to commit seppuku and follow his master even in death.
The relationship between Nobunaga and Ranmaru was very strong, and in the literature of the time, it is often reported that the two had a sexual relationship, which was very common in those times.
Mori Ranmaru Family
- Father: Mori Yoshinari (1523-1570);
- Brothers: Mori Nagayoshi (1558-1584), Mori Tadamasa, Mori Bōmaru (1566-1582), and Mori Rikimaru (1567-1582).
Mori Ranmaru In mass culture
- Mori Ranmaru is featured, like many other figures from feudal Japan, in the Samurai Warriors video game series, where he is depicted as a beautiful-looking, almost feminine young man.
