BENKEI
Saitō Musashibō Benkei (1155–1189) was a warrior monk (sōhei) from the late Heian period. He began his life in temples, trained as a yamabushi (mountain ascetic warrior), and later became the most loyal retainer of the famous samurai Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Benkei’s legendary strength, devotion, and dramatic death made him one of the most celebrated figures in Japanese folklore.
The Stolen Temple Bell
As a young monk, Benkei dreamed of stealing the great bell of Mii-dera temple and bringing it to his own monastery in the mountains. He believed it would be easy to roll the massive bell down the slope at night. But realizing the noise might wake the monks of Mii-dera, he decided to carry the bell himself. Hanging a paper lantern from one side of the bell to balance it, Benkei hauled it away.
Once at his temple, the monks struck the bell, expecting its majestic chime. Instead, it groaned with an eerie voice: “I want to go back to Mii-dera!” Startled, they sprinkled it with holy water, but nothing helped—the bell cried the same words each time it rang. Frustrated, Benkei struck it with a log, but it would not break. Tired of its resistance, he finally rolled it into a valley, where it was later recovered by the monks of Mii-dera.
From that time on, the bell returned to its serene chime and never produced any disturbing cries again.
The Thousand Swords
Another famous tale tells that Benkei challenged passing warriors on bridges at night, defeating them and collecting their swords. He had already gathered 999 blades when he met a youth who fought with extraordinary skill. That young man was Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who defeated Benkei in combat. Impressed, Benkei swore lifelong loyalty to Yoshitsune, and together they became legendary companions in battle.
Symbolism
Benkei embodies the ideal of loyalty and fearless strength. His stories reflect the values of unwavering service, persistence in the face of impossible odds, and the mixture of humor and tragedy that defines much of Japanese folklore.
Benkei in Tattoo Art
Iconic imagery: Benkei carrying the massive temple bell of Mii-dera on his shoulders or striking it in frustration — a powerful symbol of physical strength and indomitable will. He is also often depicted on bridges, challenging warriors with his naginata amid a pile of collected swords, or locked in fierce combat with Yoshitsune.
Design elements: Benkei dressed in monk’s robes or armor, wielding his naginata against a backdrop of storm clouds, temple rooftops, and scattered swords — a scene charged with drama and movement.
Placement: this composition works beautifully for large-scale tattoos — such as back pieces, full front pieces, or sleeves — where Benkei’s legendary power can fully unfold.
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