Benkei

Benkei is a giant tortoise resembling a rocky mountain, and is the sacred treasure of Kameyama Shrine in Aki Province.

A thousand years ago, he fought alongside Yoshitsune, the hero of the Fire Clan, against the Root Clan. In Aki Province, it is said that Yoshitsune, riding on Benkei, raced across the sea battling the Root Clan. Because Benkei sided with the Fire Clan, he incurred the wrath of Yomi and was cursed to turn into stone. Even though petrified, he remained conscious and said, "Indeed, a thousand years was a long time... But I have no regrets," after the petrification was lifted.

Though often mistaken for a sea turtle, he is actually a mountain tortoise.