Musashibō Benkei

Musashibō Benkei is a warrior monk of Japanese legend who became the devoted retainer of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Historical evidence for his life is limited, but medieval chronicles and later drama transformed him into a figure of immense strength, loyalty and comic bravado, especially through stories of his duel with Yoshitsune and his final defence of his master at Koromogawa.

Benkei is remembered as a powerful sōhei who entered Yoshitsune’s service and remained loyal during his flight from Yoritomo. The historical evidence for his life is limited, but the character became central to medieval chronicles, nō and kabuki drama, and later popular culture.

In Helen Craig McCullough’s Yoshitsune, It follows his legendary childhood, rise as a commander during the Genpei War and partnership with the warrior monk Benkei, before turning to the conflict with his elder brother Minamoto no Yoritomo that makes Yoshitsune a fugitive.