is a Japanese

Noh is a major form of classical Japanese dance-drama that has been performed since the 14th century. Developed by Kan'ami and his son Zeami, it is the oldest major theatre art that is still regularly performed today. Although the terms Noh and ...

play from the 15th century, by Hiyoshi Sa-ami Yasukiyo.

Theme

The play centres around the encounter between the giant warrior monk

Benkei , popularly known as simply Benkei, was a Japanese warrior monk (''sōhei'') who lived in the latter years of the Heian Period (794–1185) ">/sup>. Benkei led a varied life, first becoming a monk, then a mountain ascetic, and then a rogue war ...

and the youthful

Minamoto no Yoshitsune was a military commander of the Minamoto clan of Japan in the late Heian and early Kamakura periods. During the Genpei War, he led a series of battles which toppled the Ise-Heishi branch of the Taira clan, helping his half-brother Yoritomo cons ...

, 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”.L Zolbrod, ''Haiku Painting'' (Tokyo 1982) p. 12-13

References

{{Reflist, 2}

External links

The Noh Plays of Japan: Chapter II: Benkei on the Bridge
Noh plays Japanese warrior monks Plays set in the 12th century

Theme

Later developments

See also

References

External links