Benkei and Yoshitsune at Gojō Bridge

The myth

The meeting on Gojō Bridge in Kyoto is one of the most famous scenes of Japanese legend. Benkei, the giant monk who took swords from those crossing the bridge, saw a slight youth playing the flute and tried to seize his sword. Ushiwakamaru leapt onto the railing, dodged every sweep of the naginata and disarmed him. Defeated, Benkei swore to serve him. Together they fought the Taira and, later hunted by Yoshitsune's own brother Yoritomo, fled north. In 1189 at Koromogawa, Yoshitsune died and Benkei fell standing in his defense. The pair inspired the Noh play Ataka and the kabuki Kanjinchō.

Why it has this power

An Epic level-8 Earth Warrior with 2800 ATK and 2600 DEF, fusion only: Benkei, the Warrior Monk, with Ushiwakamaru. The giant's strength and the tengu pupil's speed add up to what neither had alone. Earth, Sun and Hammer come from Benkei, because his loyalty is the ground this legend stands on.

Did you know

A popular legend says Yoshitsune did not die at Koromogawa but fled to Hokkaido or even the mainland, and some identify him with Genghis Khan, a claim with no historical basis.

Connections

• Born from the fusion of: Benkei, the Warrior Monk + Ushiwakamaru, Pupil of the Tengu

Where to get it

• Born from the fusion of: Benkei, the Warrior Monk + Ushiwakamaru, Pupil of the Tengu
• It never joins the collection: you summon it mid-duel, by fusion or ritual.

Sources

1. Warriors of Old Japan, and Other Stories (Project Gutenberg) — Yei Theodora Ozaki
2. Genpei War — World History Encyclopedia — Mark Cartwright
3. Kabuki — Encyclopaedia Britannica — The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica