Benkei on the Bridge explained

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 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

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]

External links

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

Notes and References

1. [Arthur Waley|A Waley]
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