Ama-no-Murakumo: The Legend of Japan’s Divine Sword
Japan is a land where history and mythology are inextricably woven together, nowhere more so than in the story of the Imperial Regalia. Among these three sacred treasures, arguably the most captivating is the sword. Known to history as the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (The Grass-Cutting Sword), its original, poetic name evokes a far more celestial image: Ama-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi, or “The Sword of the Gathering Clouds of Heaven.”
For cultural travelers and mythology enthusiasts, the shine of Ama-no-Murakumo represents the soul of Shinto belief and the legitimacy of the Chrysanthemum Throne. While the sword itself remains hidden from human eyes, its presence permeates Japanese culture, from ancient shrines to modern pop culture.
Origins: The Serpent and the Storm God
To understand the significance of this blade, we must look back to the Age of the Gods. The story begins not in a forge, but within the tail of a monster. According to Shinto mythology, the storm god Susanoo-no-Mikoto had been banished from the heavens. Upon descending to the province of Izumo, he encountered a grieving couple whose daughters were being devoured, one by one, by a terrifying beast: Yamata-no-Orochi, the eight-headed, eight-tailed serpent.
Susanoo struck a deal to save their last daughter, Kushinada-hime, in exchange for her hand in marriage. He tricked the serpent into drinking eight vats of strong sake. Once the beast fell into a drunken stupor, Susanoo began to hack it to pieces.
However, when he attempted to cut the serpent’s middle tail, his own sword chipped. Suspicious, he sliced the flesh open carefully and discovered a magnificent blade hidden inside. Because the serpent’s head was always surrounded by rain and clouds, the sword was named Ama-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi (Sword of the Gathering Clouds of Heaven). Recognizing its divine quality, Susanoo gifted the blade to his sister, the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, as a reconciliation offering.
The Legend Continues: Becoming Kusanagi
The sword did not remain in the heavens. It was passed down to Amaterasu’s descendants and eventually found its way to the legendary warrior prince, Yamato Takeru. It is here that the sword earned its more common name.
The Fire of Sagami
During a campaign in the eastern lands (modern-day Kanto region), Yamato Takeru was lured into an open field by a treacherous warlord who then set the tall grass on fire, trapping the prince. In a desperate attempt to escape the encroaching flames, Takeru drew Ama-no-Murakumo.
Miraculously, the sword was so sharp it mowed down the burning grass with a single swing, and according to some versions of the myth, controlled the wind to drive the fire back toward his enemies. From that day forward, the blade was renamed Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (The Grass-Cutting Sword). This duality of names—one representing the heavens and clouds, the other representing earthly survival and martial prowess—encapsulates the sword’s unique status.
Modern Culture and Symbolism
Today, the sword is considered one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan (Sanshu-no-Jingi), alongside the mirror (Yata-no-Kagami) and the jewel (Yasakani-no-Magatama). They serve as the essential symbols of the Emperor’s divinity and authority. During the enthronement of a new Emperor, the sword (or a replica container representing it) is presented in a solemn ceremony. It is so sacred that not even the Emperor is said to see the actual blade.
Beyond the Imperial court, the “Shine of Ama-no-Murakumo” casts a long shadow over Japanese pop culture. If you are a fan of anime or video games, you have likely encountered it. From the Final Fantasy series and Naruto to Okami, the sword appears frequently as a high-level weapon or a plot device, often retaining its storm-related attributes. This modern retelling keeps the ancient myth alive for new generations globally.
Traveler’s Tips: Visiting the Sacred Site
While you cannot view the sword itself, you can visit its alleged resting place. It is widely believed to be enshrined at Atsuta Jingu (Atsuta Shrine) in Nagoya. This is one of the most significant Shinto sites in Japan, second only to Ise Grand Shrine.
What to Expect
- The Atmosphere: Atsuta Jingu is a vast, wooded sanctuary in the middle of a bustling industrial city. Walking through the giant torii gates into the forest provides an immediate sense of calm and reverence.
- The Treasure Hall: While the Kusanagi is hidden, the shrine’s Bunkaden (Treasure Hall) displays thousands of other historical swords, mirrors, and masks, giving you a tangible link to the craftsmanship of the past.
- Local Flavor: After soaking in the spiritual history, head to a restaurant near the shrine to try Kishimen (flat noodles) or Hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice), culinary staples of Nagoya.
Note on Etiquette: When visiting, remember to bow once at the torii gate before entering and leaving. At the main altar, the prayer ritual is: two bows, two claps, a moment of prayer, and one final bow.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in delving deeper into the original texts that describe the “Gathering Clouds of Heaven,” the following historical records are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Japan’s oldest extant chronicle (c. 712 AD), detailing the age of the gods and the serpent slaying.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Completed in 720 AD, this text provides alternative versions of the myths, including variations on how Yamato Takeru used the sword.
- The Tale of the Heike: A medieval epic that recounts the tragic loss of the Imperial Regalia (or replicas thereof) at the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185.