Benkei on the Bridge

Noh play

Benkei and Yoshitsune, in disguise, meet on Gojō Bridge, a scene from Hashi Benkei; woodblock print by Kōgyo Tsukioka from the series Nōgaku zue or Pictures of Noh Plays

Benkei on the Bridge (橋弁慶, Hashi Benkei) is a Japanese Noh play from the 15th century, by Hiyoshi Sa-ami Yasukiyo.[1]

## Theme

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The play centres around the encounter between the giant warrior monk Benkei and the youthful Minamoto no Yoshitsune, in which the slighter and younger man defeated the elder.[2] The hand-to-hand bridge combat forged a lasting bond between the pair.[3] Thereafter Benkei served as Yoshitsune’s second in command[4] \- as what Basho would describe as “his faithful retainer, Benkei”.[5]

## Later developments

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Buson created a haiku and a haiku painting, Benkei and Young Bull, around the themes of the play, quoting from it in his haiku:[6]

> Snow, moon, and blossoms -
>  And then a pledge for three lives,
>  Faith and loyalty

## See also

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hashi Benkei.

* Eboshi-ori
* Funa Benkei
* Kumasaka
* Little John

## References

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1. ^ A Waley, The Noh Plays of Japan (1976) p. 52
2. ^ L Zolbrod, Haiku Painting (Tokyo 1982) p. 12
3. ^ L Zolbrod, Haiku Painting (Tokyo 1982) p. 12
4. ^ H McAlpine, Japanese Tales and Legends (London 1960) p. 56
5. ^ Basho, The Narrow Road to the Deep North (Penguin 1983) p. 109
6. ^ L Zolbrod, Haiku Painting (Tokyo 1982) p. 12-13

## External links

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* The Noh Plays of Japan: Chapter II: Benkei on the Bridge