- "For the true king! Your Majesty, leave these curs to me! You hold the future of Ku in your hands. Your father chose to put his faith in you, and so shall I!" —To Hikari
Benkei is a character in Octopath Traveler II. He serves as the bodyguard of the emperor Jigo Ku and appears during Hikari's story.
Profile[]
Appearance[]
Benkei is bald, wears a dark robe along with a white shawl, and wields a spear in combat.
Personality[]
Benkei is a steadfast, patriotic, and loyal bodyguard, always at his master's side. He is not afraid to take on multiple enemy soldiers at once, nor to risk his life to protect the rightful heir of Ku.
History[]
Benkei was originally named Musashi. He spent his youth wandering the land, testing his abilities against others. One day he was bested by the young King Jigo, who had caught wind of his story and come to challenge him. After his defeat, Musashi changed his name to Benkei and pledged fealty to the king. He went on to become the king's most trusted advisor, as well as his steadfast bodyguard.
Story[]
In Hikari's Chapter 1, Benkei summons the young prince to meet his father in private. Benkei stands watch over the meeting while Jigo reveals his intention to appoint Hikari as his successor, despite the coup planned by Mugen, Hikari's rival brother.
When Mugen seizes the throne and kills Jigo, Benkei is absent and unable to protect his emperor. However, when Hikari is then surrounded by Mugen's men, Benkei charges in to defend him, stalling the soldiers so that Hikari can escape. With his parting words, Benkei counsels Hikari to seek out his allies and free Ku from Mugen's rule.
Once Hikari returns with his allies, Benkei reunites with the prince and fights alongside him. With his help, Hikari defeats Mugen and claims the throne. Benkei later suggests a celebration in honor of all who lost their lives in the war.
Quotes[]
- "The Bell of Dawn, whose knell has heralded war throughout Ku for generations, has been sealed away. May we never have need of it again." —In Castle Ku (day)
- "Our problems are yet many - let us not lose sight of that." —In Castle Ku (night)
- "Very well. I shall accompany you." —When recruited
- "And with that, I take my leave." —Parting Ways
- "I would like nothing more! I've long desired to test your mettle." —When Challenged
- "I shall set this fiend to flight!" —When Provoked
- "You cur! Such nonsense will not be tolerated!" —Path Action failure
Gallery[]
Etymology[]
Benkei's name is a tribute to Saitō Musashibō Benkei (西塔武蔵坊弁慶, 1155–1189), a famous Japanese warrior monk (sōhei) who lived in the latter years of the Heian Period (794–1185).
Trivia[]
- According to Hikari, Benkei is the strongest person in Ku.
- Hikari's travel banter implies that Benkei has a thunderous war cry, despite his normally composed behavior.