Benkei on the Bridge
# Benkei on the Bridge

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

## 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. The hand-to-hand bridge combat forged a lasting bond between the pair.

Thereafter Benkei served as Yoshitsune’s second in command - as what Basho would describe as “his faithful retainer, Benkei”.

## 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”.

