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

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

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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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
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