Beni-Enma is the newest limited time arts-based saber to come to the North American server of Fate Grand Order. As the star of the New Years 2021 event, players who participated went on a quest to help the sparrow yokai rebuild her Spirited Away-like inn. Known as the tongue-cut sparrow, this bird many look tiny and cute, but she will gut an opponent like this mornings freshly caught salmon, and roast their overcooked rice too. From origins in a folk tale to being the center of internet memes, there’s a lot about this feathered iron chef that will surprise most players.
10 10. She Learned How To Talk Without Her Tongue
Losing her tongue was painful, but it clearly wasn’t enough to stop Beni. In order to communicate with those around her, she has undergone a long training process to master the art of ventriloquism, or speaking in a way that sounds like its coming from a different source than just the voice. Despite this, she still can’t help but lisp her words, which is where her catchphrase “dechi” comes from. Dechi is her way of pronouncing desu, or the Japanese linking verb.
9 9. She’s Very Maternal
Beni is tiny and cute and looks like a child, but she is far from being one. Stern and mature, she will be a mother-like figure to you that makes sure that the master eats properly and packs a lunch on long days of training. The nice thing is that because of her regimented disposition and small size, she will be a mother that won’t accidentally crush you to death, unlike Raikou.
8 8. She Comes From An Old Folktale
While not a direct copy, Beni’s character and design is heavy inspired by the story of an old man who takes care of a sparrow, only for his cruel wife to slice the birds tongue out after she discovers it ate all of her rice starch.
The bird flees, and the old man eventually comes across her family’s inn, where they take good care of him after he was so kind to the sparrow. Beni’s skills Big Box and Small Box are a reference to when they offered the old man either a small or big box to take home and he chose the smaller one, while his wife later took the big one and let’s just say it didn’t end well for her.
7 7. Not Just Anyone Will Impress Her
Beni is said to be one of the most amazing cooks in the Throne of Heroes, a title she definitely does not take for granted. She’ll train anyone who wants to learn under her, but only few can handle her rigorous courses.
This is why the bird yokai has come to know and is meme’d as the Gordon Ramsay of Fate (it’s even one of her official nicknames in the wiki), as she is seen constantly shouting at her pupils when they mess up something. In fact, most of them haven’t even passed her beginners course yet.
6 6. Her History Is Quite Dense
- One can definitely say Beni has worn many hats in her life. From her early days as a torturer in hell to a chef to a proprietor, she’s been through it all. After dying as a human, she was reborn as a yokai sparrow as the daughter of King Enma, the master of the underworld who judges all souls.
5 5. She Appreciates Time Off
The most touching thing you can do for Beni after summoning her is simply give her a day off work. She doesn’t really ask for much and genuinely enjoys taking care of her customers, even continuing to do so on holidays. People who do lots for others and not much for themselves sometimes need a little push for self-care.
4 4. She Heavily Respects Touta
Three star servants don’t always get the attention they deserve, but that doesn’t make them any less special. Touta Tawara, also known as the endless supplier of rice in Fate, is one of Benis top idols.
If you have both of them in your roster, she will become completely starstruck in conversation and tell you she wants to use one of his magic arrows on a shrine. Touta is famous for killing a giant monstrous centipede, so it’s no wonder Beni would want one of those arrows. Not to mention both of them are constantly seen with a bowl of rice so they probably love to cook together.
3 3. She Doesn’t Believe In Spoiling
Despite that she seems like a very strict and harsh teacher, Beni actually cares very deeply for her students, but she also believes in dividing business and pleasure.
Spoiling students is a major no no to her, since it’s hard to learn to learn something new if one isn’t pushed hard enough. What she definitely can’t stand, however, is seeing someone prey on the weak just to be mean.
2 2. Her Favorite Food Is A Rice Ball
The best things in life are the most simple and even the fanciest most talented of chefs know this. Despite everything she knows how to cook, Beni’s favorite meal that makes her happy is just high quality onigri, or rice balls. It’s an easy dish, but if one has well cooked rice and seasoned greens, they don’t need much else.
1 1. Don’t Let The Oni Label Fool You
Beni is a demon, or a oni, but she doesn’t act like it all, especially since she has an anti-evil niche and does not believe in lying. Anybody who she catches being untruthful will get their tongue cut off by her. When the word oni and Fate comes to mind, most players will immediately think of the characters Shuten and Ibaraki, two oni who proudly embrace being the devilish creatures of old stories. Yet even by now, Ibaraki has proved she isn’t as wicked as she seems. Since she too was once human, Beni tells you that she relates to her.
NEXT: Ranked: The Best Harvest Moon Games
