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

The play centres around the encounter between the giant warrior monk Benkei and the youthful Minamoto no Yoshitsune, in which the slighter, 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

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

“Snow, moon, and blossoms -

And then a pledge for three lives,

Faith and loyalty”.[6]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hashi Benkei.

References

  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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