A legendary warrior monk who served Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Tradition says he was the son of a Kumano shrine official and became a fearsome warrior after training on Mount Hiei. At Gojo Bridge in Kyoto, after collecting 999 swords from passersby, he met Yoshitsune, was defeated, and became his retainer. He fought alongside Yoshitsune at Ichi-no-Tani, Yashima, and Dan-no-ura. When Yoshitsune was pursued by Yoritomo, Benkei devised the famous "subscription list" ruse at Ataka Barrier, even striking Yoshitsune to deflect suspicion. In 1189, at the Battle of Koromo River in Oshu, he is said to have died standing, his body riddled with arrows, protecting Yoshitsune to the last—the famous "standing death of Benkei."

His loyalty to Yoshitsune is among the greatest in Japanese history. Bold and resourceful, known for superhuman strength, he also showed great cunning, as seen in the subscription list episode.

He inspired many Japanese idioms such as "standing death of Benkei." The Noh play "Ataka" and Kabuki play "Kanjincho" are among Japan's most famous theatrical works. The bond between Yoshitsune and Benkei remains the ultimate symbol of loyalty.