The Legend of Kusanagi: Unveiling Japan’s Sacred Sword

In the misty realm of Japanese mythology, few artifacts command as much reverence and mystery as the Kusanagi no Tsurugi. Often likened to the Arthurian Excalibur, this legendary blade is not merely a weapon of war; it is a spiritual symbol of valor and one of the Three Sacred Treasures (Sanshu no Jingi) that constitute the Imperial Regalia of Japan. While the Mirror represents wisdom and the Jewel represents benevolence, the Sword stands for courage.

For travelers and culture enthusiasts, understanding the legend of Kusanagi is essential to grasping the spiritual backbone of Shinto history. However, unlike the crown jewels of Europe, this sword remains hidden from the public eye, shrouded in secrecy within the hallowed grounds of the Atsuta Shrine.

Origins: A Sword Born from Chaos

To understand the Kusanagi, one must look back to the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), the oldest extant chronicles in Japan. The sword was not forged by human hands but was discovered within the body of a terrifying monster during the Age of the Gods.

Originally named Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi (Sword of the Gathering Clouds of Heaven), it is inextricably linked to Susanoo, the impetuous Shinto storm god and brother to the sun goddess Amaterasu. The sword’s journey from the tail of a dragon to the hands of the Imperial family is one of the most famous arcs in Japanese folklore.

The Legend of Yamata no Orochi

The story begins with Susanoo’s banishment from the heavens. Descending to the province of Izumo in western Japan, he encountered an elderly couple weeping by a river. They explained that for seven years, a fearsome eight-headed, eight-tailed dragon named Yamata no Orochi had devoured one of their daughters annually. Now, the beast was coming for their eighth and final daughter, Kushinada-hime.

Moved by their plight (and struck by the beauty of Kushinada-hime), Susanoo struck a deal: he would slay the dragon in exchange for the maiden’s hand in marriage.

The Battle and the Discovery

Susanoo did not rely on brute strength alone; he used cunning. He instructed the couple to brew eight vats of strong sake and placed them inside a fenced enclosure with eight gates. When Yamata no Orochi arrived, the beast dipped each of its eight heads into the vats and drank greedily.

Inebriated, the dragon fell into a deep slumber. Susanoo seized the opportunity, drawing his sword to hack the beast into pieces. As he cut through the dragon’s fourth tail, his blade chipped. Curious, he sliced the flesh open to reveal a magnificent, gleaming sword hidden inside. This was the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi.

To reconcile with his sister, Susanoo presented the blade to the goddess Amaterasu. She later passed it down to her grandson, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, when she sent him to rule the earth, establishing the divine lineage of the Japanese Emperors.

How it Became “Kusanagi”

Generations later, the sword was wielded by the legendary warrior prince Yamato Takeru. According to legend, a treacherous warlord lured the prince into a grassland and set it on fire to trap him. Desperate, Yamato Takeru used the holy blade to cut away the burning grass. Miraculously, the sword controlled the wind, sending the flames back toward his enemies. From that day forward, the blade was renamed Kusanagi no Tsurugi—the “Grass-Cutting Sword.”

Significance in Modern Culture

Today, the Kusanagi sword holds a unique place in the Japanese consciousness. It is a symbol of the Emperor’s legitimacy; during the enthralling ascension ceremonies of a new Emperor, the sword (encased in a box) is presented alongside the jewel and mirror.

The legend has also permeated global pop culture. Fans of anime and video games—from Naruto to Final Fantasy—often encounter weapons named Kusanagi or references to the Yamata no Orochi. While these depictions are fantastical, they keep the ancient name alive in the minds of the younger generation.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the sword is its invisibility. No one, arguably not even the Emperor, is permitted to see the naked blade. It remains wrapped in layers of silk and enclosed in a wooden box, preserving its sanctity and mystery.

Traveler’s Tips: Visiting Atsuta Shrine

While you cannot view the sword itself, you can visit its alleged resting place. The Atsuta Shrine (Atsuta Jingu) in Nagoya is the second most important shrine in Japan, after Ise Jingu.

• The Atmosphere: The shrine is located in a sacred grove of camphor trees, offering a serene escape from the bustling city of Nagoya. The air feels heavy with history and reverence.
• What to Do: Walk the gravel paths, toss a coin offering, and bow twice, clap twice, and bow once at the main hall. Visit the Treasure Hall museum to see other historical swords and artifacts that are visible to the public.
• Culinary Tip: After your visit, stop by the restaurant on the shrine grounds to try Kishimen, a flat udon noodle dish that is a Nagoya specialty.

Sources & Further Reading

For those interested in diving deeper into the original texts of these myths, the following historical records provide the foundation for the legend:

• The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): The oldest chronicle in Japan, dating back to 711-712 AD.
• The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Completed in 720 AD, offering a more detailed historical account.
• The Tale of the Heike: For medieval interpretations of the sword’s fate during the naval battle of Dan-no-ura.