Benkei on the Bridge
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Hashi_Benkei.jpg/275px-Hashi_Benkei.jpg)
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[]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hashi Benkei. |
References[]
- ^ A Waley, The Noh Plays of Japan (1976) p. 52
- ^ L Zolbrod, Haiku Painting (Tokyo 1982) p. 12
- ^ L Zolbrod, Haiku Painting (Tokyo 1982) p. 12
- ^ H McAlpine, Japanese Tales and Legends (London 1960) p. 56
- ^ Basho, The Narrow Road to the Deep North (Penguin 1983) p. 109
- ^ L Zolbrod, Haiku Painting (Tokyo 1982) p. 12-13
External links[]
Categories:
- Noh plays
- Japanese warrior monks
- Plays set in the 12th century