Unveiling the Spiritual Power of the Kusanagi Sword
In the misty annals of Japanese mythology, few artifacts possess the gravitas and mystery of the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (草薙剣). Known in English as the “Grass-Cutting Sword,” this legendary blade is not merely a weapon of war; it is a vessel of immense spiritual power and one of the Three Sacred Treasures that constitute the Imperial Regalia of Japan. For culture enthusiasts and travelers alike, understanding the Kusanagi sword is key to unlocking the spiritual heart of the Japanese Emperor’s lineage and the Shinto faith.
The Origins: A Dragon’s Tail
To understand the spiritual weight of the Kusanagi, one must look back to the Age of the Gods. According to ancient texts, the sword was not forged by human hands but was discovered within the body of a monster.
The storm god, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, had been exiled from the heavens. Upon arriving in the province of Izumo, he encountered a weeping couple whose daughters were being devoured, one by one, by the fearsome Yamata-no-Orochi—an eight-headed, eight-tailed dragon. Susanoo struck a deal to save their last daughter, Kushinada-hime, in exchange for her hand in marriage.
Using a trap involving eight vats of strong sake, Susanoo intoxicated the beast. Once the dragon fell into a drunken stupor, he severed its heads and tails. As he cut into the fourth tail, his own blade chipped. Inside, he found a magnificent sword. Originally named Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi (Sword of the Gathering Clouds of Heaven), Susanoo gifted this divine blade to his sister, the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, to settle an old grievance. This act cemented the sword as a divine object connecting the earth and the heavens.
The Legend of the Grass-Cutter
The sword’s most famous name, Kusanagi, comes from a later legend involving the heroic prince, Yamato Takeru. Generations after Susanoo, the sword was passed down to Takeru for protection during his perilous expeditions to the east.
During a campaign in the province of Sagami, a treacherous warlord lured the prince into an open field and set the tall, dry grass on fire, attempting to burn him alive. Desperate and surrounded by flames, Takeru drew the divine sword. Legend says that the blade held the spiritual power to control the wind. As Takeru swung the sword, he cut the grass at supernatural speeds (Kusa means grass, Nagi means to cut or mow), and the wind shifted, driving the flames back toward his enemies. From that day forward, the blade was known as Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi.
This story highlights the sword’s spiritual essence: it is not just a tool for killing, but a protector that commands the elements of nature, symbolizing the virtue of valor.
Modern Culture and Significance
Today, the Kusanagi sword holds a unique place in the Japanese consciousness. Unlike the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, which are publicly displayed, the Kusanagi sword is never seen by the public—or even the Emperor himself. It is kept shrouded in layers of silk and boxes, preserving its sanctity.
The Imperial Regalia
The sword, along with the Mirror (Yata-no-Kagami) and the Jewel (Yasakani-no-Magatama), represents the legitimacy of the Chrysanthemum Throne. During the enthronement ceremonies of a new Emperor, a replica of the sword is presented wrapped in cloth. The original is believed to reside elsewhere, yet its spiritual presence validates the Emperor’s role as a descendant of Amaterasu.
Pop Culture
The legend of the sword is so pervasive that it appears frequently in modern media. From video games like Final Fantasy to anime series like Naruto, the Kusanagi sword is often depicted as the ultimate weapon. While these depictions are fantastical, they ensure that the name of the sword remains familiar to younger generations worldwide.
Traveler’s Tips: Visiting Atsuta Shrine
While you cannot see the sword itself, you can visit its alleged resting place. The Atsuta Shrine (Atsuta Jingu) in Nagoya is one of Shinto’s most significant sites and is dedicated to the sword.
- Atmosphere: The shrine grounds are a lush, wooded sanctuary in the middle of the bustling city. Walking through the giant torii gates, you can feel a shift in the atmosphere—a solemn, refreshing silence known as distinct spiritual energy.
- The Wall: Look for the Nobunaga-bei, a mud wall donated by the famous warlord Oda Nobunaga in 1560 after he prayed here for victory and subsequently won a decisive battle against overwhelming odds.
- Local Delicacy: After soaking in the history, visit the restaurant on the shrine grounds to try Kishimen, a flat noodle dish that is a Nagoya specialty. It is said to be a favorite of the samurai of old.
Note: Respect is paramount. When entering the shrine grounds, bow slightly at the Torii gate, and cleanse your hands and mouth at the temizuya (water pavilion) before approaching the main hall.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in diving deeper into the mythology of the Kusanagi sword, the following historical texts are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Japan’s oldest chronicle (712 AD), detailing the age of the gods and the story of Susanoo.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Completed in 720 AD, this text provides a more historical narrative of Yamato Takeru and the Imperial lineage.
- Atsuta Jingu Official Records: Available at the shrine’s museum (Treasure Hall), offering context on the sword’s worship over the centuries.