Actor as Musashibō Benkei in Kanjinchō 1879

This woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi depicts an actor as Musashibō Benkei in Kanjinchō. Benkei, a towering figure in Japanese folklore, is shown here in his distinctive garb, complete with a traveler's hat and armed with his iconic staff. Note the audience observing the scene, reflecting how the Japanese Kabuki influenced printmakers, playing with the relationship between actor and spectator. The enduring motif of the warrior monk, like Benkei, traces back to medieval Japan, embodying bravery and loyalty. We see echoes of this archetype in figures across cultures, from the knights of Europe to religious defenders. The staff is not just a weapon; it is a symbol of authority and spiritual resolve. The collective memory of such figures taps into our deep-seated need for heroes, reflecting primal urges for protection and guidance. Like the ouroboros, this symbol of strength resurfaces, reinvented yet timeless, engaging us on a subconscious level.