'The Tale of the Heike' is a Japanese epic account of the conflict between the Minamoto and Taira clans over control of Japan which occurred near the end of the 12th century CE; known as the Genpei War (1180-1185). The tale is often described as a Japanese 'Iliad'; and has been translated into English multiple times.

The Genpei War occurred during the late Heian Period; and ultimately saw the fall of the Taira clan and the rise of the Minamoto clan. Minamoto no Yoritomo; clan leader; then established the Kamakura shogunate; which would rule over Japan for roughly 150 years. The Kamakura shogunate began the suppression of the emperor's power and the rise of samurai influence and power.