Introduction
Introduction
Ushiwaka Maru meets Benki on Gojo Ohashi bridge. Ten out of ten Japanese know this encounter. It is a popular theme of Noh, Kabuki, and other entertainment. For instance, Hahisbenkei Yama of Gion matsuri is based on the story.
Who is Ushiwaka Maru?
Ushiwaka Maru (牛若丸) is a historical figure in the 12th century. Ushiwaka Maru is a Yomyo, a name given to a child and he grew up to Minamoto no Yhoshitsune (源義経).
His father was executed due to a political conflict between Heishi (平氏) and Genji (源氏) clan. Yoshitsune was sent to Kurama dera temple located in Mt. Kurama.
He learned Buddhism as an apprentice monk during the day and learned martial arts from Kurama Tengu lived the mountain during the night. Tengu is an legendary creature with a red face and a long nose. It often was fused with the Mountain worship and considered as a deity living in a mountain.
Ushiwaka Maru left the temple and stayed in Kyoto en route to Hiraizumi, the de facto vice capital, to apply political asylum. One night, he met Benkei.
Who is Benkei?
Benkei (弁慶) is also a historical figure but no one can tell who he is exactly. He is known as a hulking guy loyal to Yoshitsune but this profile was invented in Gikeiki (『義経記』), the chronicle of Yoshitsune and other war-tales.
He was an apprentice monk of Enryakuji temple in Hieizan. He was ousted from the temple due to his bad attitude and behavior. He settled down to Kyoto and planned to collect 1,000 swords there. He started attacking passers-by with swords for his aim. When he obtained 999 swords, he met Ushiwaka Maru.
Where did they meet?
Where did they meet? Almost anyone answer, “On Gojo Ohashi bridge” but Gikeiki describes the encounter took place near Gojo Tenjin shrine. The encounter on Gojo Ohashi is famous because of a Rokyoku (謡曲) called Hashi Benkei. Ryokyoku is a part of Noh and used to be popular.
One night, Benkei prayed at Gojo Tenjin shrine. He requested the 1,000th sword would be a good one. Then, he came across Ushiwaka Maru He walked playing his flute. All of a sudden, Benkei attacked him with his sword. Ushiwaka maru jumped to a nearby wall and bent his sword and threw it away to Benkei. Benkei attacked him again. Ushiwaka Maru escaped the sword: He jumping off the wall, hovered in the air and jumped over the Naginata.
On the next day, Benkei wait him in front of the main gate of Kiyomizudera temple for revenge. Fortunately, he met Ushiwaka Maru again. This time, Benkei attacked him with his Naginata sword (A sword with long pole). The desperate battle lead them to the stage of Kiyomizudera. Benkei lose the battle and decided to be a Rotoh (郎党) of Ushiwaka Maru. Rotho is a person who serves the superior. After this, Benkei served him for the last minute of his life.
To be continued in the next post. 合掌
