title: Benkei on the Bridge
text: # 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”.
  
  