Benkei's Last Stand

At the fortress of Koromogawa, the end was near for the legendary Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Pursued by his brother’s massive armies, the hero sought a final moment of peace to commit ritual suicide and preserve his honor. Standing between Yoshitsune and a sea of enemies was Saitō Musashibō Benkei, the giant warrior monk who had once sworn an oath of eternal fealty. Benkei took his position on the bridge leading to the inner sanctum, wielding his massive naginata and six other weapons. Wave after wave of soldiers charged, but none could pass the mountain of a man. Even as hundreds of arrows rained down upon him like a winter storm, Benkei did not flinch. He struck down every foe who dared approach, his strength fueled by an unbreakable vow. Eventually, the enemy grew terrified, noticing that the giant had stopped moving but remained upright, staring them down with fierce eyes. When they finally dared to cross the bridge, they discovered the truth: Benkei had died some time ago, his body frozen in place by sheer will. This 'Standing Death' gave Yoshitsune the time he needed, cementing Benkei’s legacy as Japan’s ultimate symbol of devotion.