noun
Heike family; Taira clan
Historical term for the Taira clan, a major samurai family in the late Heian period. Often contrasted with 源氏 (Genji).
平家と源氏の争いは、多くの物語の題材になった。
The conflict between the Heike and the Genji became the subject of many tales.
noun
Abbreviation of 平家物語 (Heike Monogatari), the classic war epic. Used in literary or historical contexts.
See also: 平家物語 (へいけものがたり)
「平家」は、琵琶法師によって語り継がれた。
"The Tale of the Heike" was passed down by biwa-playing minstrels.
noun
chanting of the Heike Monogatari
Abbreviation of 平家琵琶 (Heike biwa), the musical narrative tradition of chanting the Heike story with biwa accompaniment.
See also: 平家琵琶 (へいけびわ)
彼は平家を習うために、師匠のもとへ通った。
He went to study under a master to learn the chanting of the Heike Monogatari.
From the name of the Taira clan (平) and 家 (family). The reading へいけ is the on'yomi of the kanji.