Dojikiri_Yasutsuna photo By Kakidai Wikimedia

10 Legendary Swords in Japanese Mythology


 

Swords have played an important role in Japanese mythology and culture for centuries. The earliest swords used in Japan were imported from China and Korea in the 4th century. These swords were called “shin-ken” and were used mainly for ceremonial purposes.

The development of the Japanese sword began during the Heian period (794-1185). It was during this period that Japanese swordsmiths began to develop their unique sword-making techniques, which resulted in the creation of the katana and the Tachi.

The Katana is the most famous and iconic of all Japanese swords. It was developed during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and is characterized by its curved blade and distinctive shape. During the Edo period (1603-1867), swordsmiths began to develop new styles and techniques for making swords. During this time, swordsmiths experimented with new materials and techniques and created some of the most beautiful and legendary swords ever made.

Today, swords are still an important part of Japanese culture. They are seen as symbols of honor, courage, and strength, and are often presented as gifts or displayed in homes and temples as works of art.

1. Dojikiri Yasutsuna

Dojikiri_Yasutsuna photo By Kakidai Wikimedia

Dojikiri Yasutsuna is one of the famous swords of legendary in Japan. It is also known as Slayer of Shuten-Doji. During the 10th and 12th centuries AD, the sword was crafted by one of the famous blade smiths known as Hoki-no-Kuni Yasutsuna.

Like Mikazuki Munechika is viewed as a National Treasure and is now stored in the Tokyo National Museum. People visit to learn the history and see the amazing sword.

2. Onimaru Kunitsuna

The Onimaru Kunitsuna sword is one of the most famous swords in Japanese history. It is believed to have been forged by the legendary swordsmith, Kunitsuna, during the Heian period. The sword was given as a gift to the Emperor by the Minamoto clan and is known for its incredible strength and sharpness.

 The Onimaru Kunitsuna sword is said to have been used in battle by the Minamoto clan and is said to have been the weapon of choice of legendary samurai, Minamoto no Yoshitsune. It is said to have been kept in the imperial court for centuries and is now displayed in the Tokyo National Museum.

 The Onimaru Kunitsuna sword is made of the highest quality steel and is renowned for its razor-sharp edge. It is particularly well-known for its unique and intricate design, with its hilt made of gold and its blade featuring a unique pattern. It is said to have a “life of its own” and is believed to be able to cut through steel.

3. Mikazuki Munechika

Mikazuki Munechika photo By ColBase Wikimedia

Mikazuki Munechika’s sword was crafted back in the 10th and 12th centuries AD by a well-known bladesmith Sanjo Kokaji Munechika. The curved shape of the swords gave it the name Mikazuki.

 The Mikazuki Munechika is still preserved to date and viewed as a National Treasure. It is now owned by Tokyo National Museum. Inari was the one who blessed the Mikazuki sword.

4. Odenta Mitsuyo

There are many legendary swords in Japan Odenta Mitsuyo sword being one of them. The name of the sword has a great meaning such as Great Denta or The Best among Swords Forged by Denta.

The Odenta sword is considered one of the three regalia swords together with Futatsu-mei and Onimaru. The regalia swords belong to the Shoguns of the Ashikaga clan.

5. Juzumaru Tsunetsugu

Juzumaru Tsunetsugu sword is also known as the Rosary or Josumaru. Juzumaru Tsunetsugu was created by Aoe Tsunetsugi. This sword is currently used as a Buddhist relic at the Honkoji Temple, Amagasaki and it owns it.

During the 12th to 14th century AD, the sword is believed to have belonged to Nichiren, who was a Buddhist priest during the Kamakura period.

6. Muramasa

Muramasa photo by By Daderot Wikimedia

Muramasa is one of the known swords in Japan. Muramasa sword is named after the family name of Muramasa Sengo. The Muramasa Sengo family was one of the famous bladesmiths in Japan who lived back in the 14th to 16th century AD in the Muromachi Era.

Later, the Tokugawa clan founded the Muramasa School to teach future bladesmiths how to craft fine and good swords like Muramasa Sengo. Up-to-date Muramasa swords are preserved and you can find them in museums across Japan.

7. Kogarasumaru

Kogarasumaru photo By SLIMHANNYA Wikimedia

Kogarasumaru Sword is said to have been crafted back in the 8th century AD by a legendary bladesmith known as Amakuni. This sword is one of the most known Japanese Tachi samurai swords.

The blade in Japan is preserved to date and the Kogarasumaru sword is now part of the Imperial Collection. The sword is unique since is said to be the first samurai sword to ever be created in Japan. It is highly treasured and of great importance and well preserved as a sign of culture.

8. Kogitsunemaru

Kogitsunemaru sword is also known as the Small Fox. It is believed to have been crafted during Heian Period back in the 8th to 12th century AD by Sanjou Munechika. It is one of the Japanese mythical swords which is unique when it comes to how it was created.

The Kogitsunemaru is said to have been lost after being owned by Kujou Family. Kujou was the last family to have the sword. Small Fox Sword is believed to have been created during the ruling time of Inari who was the patron god of Emperor Go- Ichijo.

9. Ame No Nuhoko

Ame no Nuhoko is a legendary Japanese spear that is said to have been wielded by the god Susanoo. It is believed to have magical powers and is said to be able to shoot lightning bolts from the tip of its blade.

The spear is often associated with thunder, storms, and rain. In some stories, it is said to have the ability to create storms and bring rain whenever it is used.

10. Futsunomitama

Futsunomitama is one of the Japanese Mythology swords. This sword has many names referring to it such as Futsunomitama no Tsurugi, Futsumitama no Tsurugi, Sajifutsu no Kami, and Mikafutsu no Kami.

The sword was used by Takemikazuchi no Kami to pacify Ashihara no Nakatsukuni. The sword has spiritual powers and when the army was affected by poisonous air it woke them and helped them to win the war and it became useful to Yamato Province for helping them in conquest.

The sword had defending powers and it defended Araburu Kami. It was as well worshipped due to the powerful things it was doing, it is said during the reign of Emperor Sujin ( the tenth emperor of Japan) the sword was worshipped as a goshintai in the Isonokami-Jingu where it had been brought by Ikagashiko no Mikoto of the Mononobe clan.