@BarsusDraco

3 months ago

I absolutely love the Musashibō Benkei refference. Sohei (Translated into warrior monk) carries all the gear that Musashibō Benkei (1155-1189) a legendary warrior monk used. He was known for being a master warrior of many weapons AND even normal gardening tools and household items, such as the Kataba (Saw) the Gama (The sickle. Similar to Shinobi's Kusari-Gama, but withouth the chain) the short and straight katana on his hip (a kitchen knife) and a maul and axe (Masakari axes became weapons in the sengoku period, mauls were heavier than kanabōs/tetsubōs, but many commonfolks had them for farming purpose). Benkei was also said to be extremly tall, as writings describe him between 6-7 feet tall, making him for both medieval and modern standarts a giant. One of his greatest goals was to collect 1000 swords (another saying for 1000 highly skilled warriors, such as Bushi and Samurai). Once he collected 999 swords, he was eager to defeat a special warrior for his last battle to prove himself. That warrior was none less than Minamoto no Yoshitsune. Yoshitsune defeated Benkei TWICE. Benkei was so impressed, that he pledged his loyalty to Yoshitsune, hoping to prove himself even further.
His death was legendary. One night, when Yoshitsune was meant to be assassinated by his own people, Benkei stood up on the field of the ambush. He slaughtered the army of traitors all by himself. The next morning however, he was found, standing straight up and not moving. Uppon closer inspection, he was found dead. The reason why he was still standing is because he had swords, spear shafts and arrows burried in his ancles. With his way of life and his death, Benkei became a true legend among the japanese. That man was truly one of history's greatest warriors.
And the first execution is a refference to his death. I LOVE this hero

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