Gokenin
Gokenin was a word used in feudal Japan a long, long time ago. It meant someone who was loyal to a lord or noble family. The gokenin worked for the lord, and in exchange, they were given land, money, and protection.
Imagine you have a friend who is really important and powerful. You like them a lot, and they like you too. They might say to you, "Hey, I'll give you some toys and snacks and things if you promise to always listen to me and help me when I need it." You would say yes, because you really like your friend, and you want to help them out.
That's kind of like what being a gokenin was like. The lord or noble family was like the really important and powerful friend, and the gokenin was like the person who said, "Yes, I promise to help you and be loyal to you."
But being a gokenin wasn't just a promise. It was a big responsibility. The gokenin had to serve the lord or noble family in lots of ways, like being a messenger or a soldier. They had to be brave and strong, because those were important qualities for someone who defended the lord's land.
In return, the lord or noble family would give the gokenin land, which they could use to grow food or build a house. They would also give the gokenin money, so they could buy things they needed. And the lord or noble family would promise to protect the gokenin and their family, so they wouldn't ever have to worry about being attacked by enemies.
So being a gokenin was like being a really, really loyal friend to someone who was important and powerful. In exchange, the gokenin got some cool stuff and protection. But it was also a really big responsibility, and the gokenin had to be brave, strong, and loyal to do the job well.
Imagine you have a friend who is really important and powerful. You like them a lot, and they like you too. They might say to you, "Hey, I'll give you some toys and snacks and things if you promise to always listen to me and help me when I need it." You would say yes, because you really like your friend, and you want to help them out.
That's kind of like what being a gokenin was like. The lord or noble family was like the really important and powerful friend, and the gokenin was like the person who said, "Yes, I promise to help you and be loyal to you."
But being a gokenin wasn't just a promise. It was a big responsibility. The gokenin had to serve the lord or noble family in lots of ways, like being a messenger or a soldier. They had to be brave and strong, because those were important qualities for someone who defended the lord's land.
In return, the lord or noble family would give the gokenin land, which they could use to grow food or build a house. They would also give the gokenin money, so they could buy things they needed. And the lord or noble family would promise to protect the gokenin and their family, so they wouldn't ever have to worry about being attacked by enemies.
So being a gokenin was like being a really, really loyal friend to someone who was important and powerful. In exchange, the gokenin got some cool stuff and protection. But it was also a really big responsibility, and the gokenin had to be brave, strong, and loyal to do the job well.