He Died on His Feet: The Story of Benkei's Last Stand
The legend of Benkei dying on his feet riddled with arrows to protect Yoshitsune at the Battle of the Koromo River — one of Japan's most beloved stories of samurai loyalty.
A deep read
At the Battle of the Koromo River in 1189, Benkei stood alone on a bridge to protect Yoshitsune, absorbing arrows until he died on his feet. When the enemy finally approached, they found him dead but still standing. This legend of absolute loyalty has been told for over 800 years.
Minamoto clan kabuto — Hiraizumi, where Yoshitsune and Benkei met their end, became a symbolic place of bushido and samurai loyalty
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Minamoto no Yoritomo — the brother who drove Yoshitsune to his death. Benkei gave his life to protect Yoshitsune from Yoritomo's forces.
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
Noh performance — Benkei's last stand is one of Japan's most celebrated loyalty stories, performed in Noh, Kabuki and countless other arts