T-Rex vs. Samurai

This image is a digital creation, developed by the artist known as Arvalis. It can be found online at, http://arvalis.deviantart.com/art/T-Rex-vs-Samurai-285079933.

Initially this image seems very inaccurate, and rightly so.  The period of Homo sapiens came millennia after that of the dinosaurs, and in no way did they interact with one another.  Besides this fact, however, there are  interesting features depicting both accurate images and misconceptions of the samurai.

The “win at all costs” mentality as well as strategic mindset of the samurai is shown through the outnumbered situation the Tyrannosaurus Rex faces.  Even though, in this case, it makes the most sense to approach such a powerful creature this way, it very much resembles the way samurai did not attack in a fair, respectful, one-on-one manner.  Battles were often planned, and in such a way as to allow victory to be the most plausible outcome, rather than the process of how the battle was won.  Manipulative and deceitful tactics were fair game when it came to defeating your opponent.  A Japanese term nanori (“to give ones name”) is an idea that was falsely placed in texts in order to present the samurai as an honourable, respectful individual who declared themselves and their accomplishments to their enemy prior to attacking.  It was to find a worthy opponent to fight, and to allow the opposition to give his best effort in the battle.  Nanori did not occur; the most accurate summary of the samurai tactic is “win at all costs.”

This “win at all costs” mentality is exemplified through the aerial samurai as they approach the T-Rex from behind and attack from where they are out of reach.  The contrast between the aerial samurai and those on the ground is iconic for the change that occurred in the Fujiwara Period, when foot soldiers were beginning to train on horseback.  After victories at Honshu in the late 8th century, it was apparent that the mounted warriors were more effective than the conscript army; it was here where warriors began to ride horses into battle.  It was also during this time that the term saburafu (to serve) first emerged, later turning into samurai.

It is important to point out the various weapons, that is, the sword and the bow and arrow.  This difference might make the aerial samurai more accurate – relative to the foot soldiers – as the bow and arrow was the weapon used from the 8th to 16th century.  It was not until the Tokugawa period that the sword became popular as a symbol of the samurai class.  It was common for samurai to carry two swords with them to distinguish themselves as such.  Wooden swords were first given to 7 year old boys; at 15 they received their real swords, and put their hair in a topknot.