Is Lord Shimura Evil? Exploring Morality in Ghost of Tsushima

No, Lord Shimura is not evil. He is a complex character driven by a deeply ingrained sense of honor, duty, and the preservation of the Samurai code. His actions, though often conflicting with Jin Sakai’s evolving methods, stem from a desire to protect Tsushima and its people in the only way he believes is right. Viewing him as simply “evil” disregards the cultural context and the personal sacrifices he makes in the face of unprecedented crisis. The game masterfully presents a morally gray landscape, challenging players to question their own definitions of justice and righteousness.

The Conflicting Ideologies of Honor and Pragmatism

The Foundation of Shimura’s Beliefs

Lord Shimura embodies the traditional Samurai ethos. He believes in direct confrontation, unwavering loyalty to the Shogun, and adherence to a strict code of conduct. This code dictates how a warrior should live and die, emphasizing honor above all else. Shimura’s life is built upon these principles, and he sees them as the foundation of Tsushima’s strength and stability.

Jin’s Divergence and the Rise of the Ghost

The Mongol invasion shatters Shimura’s worldview. Traditional tactics prove ineffective against the enemy’s brutal and adaptable strategies. Jin, witnessing the slaughter of samurai at Komoda Beach, is forced to abandon the code and adopt unconventional methods, embracing stealth, deception, and the use of poisons. This divergence marks the beginning of Jin’s transformation into the Ghost, a symbol of fear and resistance against the invaders.

The Conflict’s Core: Protecting Tsushima

Shimura’s opposition to Jin’s methods isn’t born from malice, but from a genuine fear that these tactics will ultimately corrupt Tsushima’s warriors and erode the very foundations of their society. He sees the Ghost as a dangerous path that will lead to dishonor and potentially invite further intervention from the Shogunate. Both Shimura and Jin share the same goal: to liberate Tsushima. However, their drastically different approaches create an irreconcilable conflict.

Questionable Actions and Their Motivations

Imprisonment and the Order of Execution

Shimura’s decision to imprison Jin and ultimately accept the Shogun’s order to execute him is perhaps the most controversial aspect of his character. However, these actions must be viewed within the context of his unwavering loyalty. He believes that Jin’s defiance is a direct threat to the Shogun’s authority and that failure to act would be considered treason, potentially leading to the destruction of his clan and further suffering for Tsushima.

Loyalty vs. Family

The internal struggle Shimura faces is palpable. He raised Jin as his own son after the death of Jin’s father and deeply cares for him. This makes his decision to uphold the Shogun’s law all the more agonizing. He’s torn between his familial love and his sworn duty. This highlights the tragic nature of his position.

A Legacy of Honor

Shimura is trying to preserve a system, and believes that the end justifies the means. He thinks by upholding the rules, he will continue to protect the citizens of Tsushima. This also is a mark on his legacy, he wants to be known as someone who honored the samurai code.

The Ending Choices: A Nuanced Perspective

Killing Shimura: The Burden of Duty

Choosing to kill Shimura allows Jin to grant his adoptive father an honorable death, upholding the samurai code one last time. This act, however, comes at a tremendous personal cost. Jin is forever branded a traitor and must live with the weight of killing a man he loved.

Sparing Shimura: Rejecting the Past

Sparing Shimura is an act of defiance against the rigid constraints of the samurai code. Jin chooses compassion over tradition, rejecting the cycle of violence and upholding his own sense of justice. However, this leaves Shimura to grapple with the shame and dishonor of being spared by a traitor.

Neither Ending is “Good” or “Bad”

Both endings highlight the tragic consequences of war and the clash between tradition and pragmatism. There is no easy answer, and the “best” ending is subjective, dependent on the player’s own moral compass and interpretation of the events.

The GamesLearningSociety.org’s Perspective

Exploring the themes of honor, duty, and the clash between tradition and innovation in Ghost of Tsushima provides valuable insights into how video games can facilitate moral reasoning and critical thinking. As educators and researchers at the Games Learning Society, we are interested in using games as a means to enhance education, and Ghost of Tsushima is a great example. Through engaging with complex narratives and making difficult choices, players develop a deeper understanding of ethical dilemmas and the consequences of their actions. For more on research and insights on how video games can be used for learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Lord Shimura and his role in Ghost of Tsushima:

1. Why did Shimura betray Jin? Shimura didn’t see it as betrayal but as upholding the law. Jin’s actions directly defied the Shogun and the samurai code, which Shimura was sworn to protect.

2. Is killing Shimura the bad ending? There is no definitively “bad” ending. It is up to the player to decide what is in line with Jin’s growth and moral path.

3. Should I let Lord Shimura live? That depends on your interpretation. Sparing him shows compassion, but some argue it denies him an honorable death.

4. Who is the main villain in Ghost of Tsushima? Khotun Khan is the primary antagonist, leading the Mongol invasion.

5. Is Jin a bad guy in Ghost of Tsushima? Jin is not a “bad guy,” but his methods are considered dishonorable by traditional standards.

6. Who betrays you in Ghost of Tsushima besides Shimura? Ryuzo, the leader of the Straw Hats, betrays Jin for a bounty from the Mongols.

7. What is the true ending of Ghost of Tsushima? There is no definitively true ending. Both endings are valid and affect the post-game world. Many consider Shimura’s death the canonical ending.

8. Is sparing Lord Shimura bad? Sparing Shimura isn’t inherently “bad,” but it leaves him to live with the dishonor of being spared by a “traitor”.

9. Is there a good and bad ending in Ghost of Tsushima? The endings offer different dye rewards for Jin’s armor, reflecting the player’s choice, but neither is objectively “good” or “bad.”

10. Is there an honorable ending to Ghost of Tsushima? Killing Shimura is considered the more honorable path, adhering to the samurai code.

11. Is killing Lord Shimura canon? It is heavily implied that killing Lord Shimura is the canon ending.

12. What is the best ending for Ghost of Tsushima? The “best” ending is subjective and depends on individual interpretation of honor and compassion.

13. Does Yuna love Jin? Yuna’s relationship with Jin is platonic. They care for each other deeply as friends and allies, but there is no romantic element.

14. What happens if I let Lord Shimura live? Jin tells him that he may be without honor, but family will not be killed, and walks away.

15. What happens if you liberate all of Tsushima? Liberating all of Tsushima unlocks a trophy and reveals all undiscovered locations on the map.

In conclusion, Lord Shimura is a nuanced character, a product of his environment, and a staunch believer in the values he holds dear. To label him as purely “evil” is to oversimplify a complex moral landscape. His actions are driven by a desire to protect Tsushima, even if his methods clash with those of Jin Sakai. The game challenges players to grapple with these conflicting ideologies and ultimately decide what constitutes true justice.