World and Lore / Historical mystery

The Mighty Benkei

Benkei was a famed warrior-monk who served as a retainer under Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Legend has it that he spent his early childhood in a Buddhist temple, but was later expelled due to his unruly behavior. Priding himself on his inordinate strength, Benkei challenged warriors from all over Kyoto to a series of dramatic duels. After defeating them, Benkei would lay claim to their swords, aiming to take possession of no fewer than one thousand. His fateful thousandth duel took place on Gojo-ohashi Bridge, where he faced none other than Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who humbled the cocksure warrior-monk, defeating him soundly. Acknowledging Yoshitsune's martial superiority, the bested Benkei pledged to serve as his retainer unto his dying day. When Yoshitsune was later charged with treason and hounded by the Shogun's army, Benkei gave his all to prevent the enemy from reaching his lord, reportedly breathing his last while still standing firmly on his feet.