Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi

Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, also known as Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi ("Sword of the Gathering Clouds of Heaven"), stands as one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan (Sanshu no Jingi) and represents the virtue of valor. As part of the imperial regalia, this legendary blade embodies the divine legitimacy of the Japanese imperial line, having been passed down through generations from the Age of the Gods to the present day.

The sword occupies a unique position in Japanese mythology and history—simultaneously a powerful divine weapon capable of cutting through supernatural forces, a sacred relic never to be drawn except in the gravest circumstances, and a living symbol of the covenant between the heavens and the imperial throne. Its very existence bridges the mythological past with historical tradition, making it one of the most significant sacred objects in Shinto belief and Japanese cultural identity.

Unlike typical Japanese swords, Kusanagi is described as a tsurugi—a double-edged straight sword in the ancient style, predating the curved katana design that would become iconic of Japanese sword-making. This archaic form emphasizes its divine origin and great antiquity, placing it in the mythological age before historical sword-smithing techniques were established.

The sword's dual identity—both as Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi and Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi—reflects its journey through myth and legend. The original name referred to the storm clouds that perpetually gathered above the serpent Yamata no Orochi, whose tail contained the blade. The later name commemorates the heroic deed of Prince Yamato Takeru, who used the sword to cut away burning grass in a feat that saved his life and demonstrated the blade's supernatural cutting power.

No verified images or detailed descriptions of the actual sword exist, as it has been hidden from view for over a thousand years. This mystery only enhances its sacred status—unlike Western crown jewels displayed for public viewing, the true form of Kusanagi remains known only to the kami (gods) and perhaps to the highest shrine priests who perform the most sacred rituals. This concealment is not merely practical protection but a fundamental aspect of its sanctity in Shinto belief, where the deepest mysteries remain veiled.

Historical records suggest that what resides at Atsuta Shrine may be the original sword, though some scholars propose it could be a replica, with the original lost in the naval Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185. According to this historical account, the eight-year-old Emperor Antoku drowned along with the regalia when his forces were defeated. While the jewel and mirror were recovered, the sword was said to have been lost to the sea. However, shrine records and official imperial history maintain that the sword at Atsuta is the original, and this remains the accepted religious and cultural position.

Unlike many legendary weapons forged by divine smiths or created through deliberate craftsmanship, Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi emerged fully formed from within the body of a great monster—discovered rather than made. This unique origin story is recorded in both the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters, 712 CE) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan, 720 CE), the two foundational texts of Japanese mythology and early history.

The Exile of Susanoo

The sword's story begins with Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the storm god and brother of Amaterasu Omikami (the sun goddess) and Tsukuyomi (the moon god). These three deities were born from the purification ritual of their father Izanagi after his return from Yomi (the underworld). Amaterasu emerged from Izanagi's left eye, Tsukuyomi from his right eye, and Susanoo from his nose.

Izanagi assigned his children their domains: Amaterasu would rule the heavens and the sun, Tsukuyomi would govern the night and moon, and Susanoo would command the seas. However, Susanoo refused his appointed role, weeping and raging because he wished to visit his mother Izanami in the land of the dead. His tantrums caused mountains to wither and seas to dry up.

When Susanoo visited his sister Amaterasu in the heavens before departing to Yomi, his arrival was so violent—shaking mountains and churning seas—that Amaterasu feared he came to steal her domain. To prove his sincerity, Susanoo proposed a ritual contest to create deities. However, even after proving his good intentions, Susanoo's wild nature led him to commit terrible outrages: he destroyed Amaterasu's rice fields, defiled her sacred halls, and ultimately caused the death of one of her attendants by flinging a flayed horse through the roof of her weaving hall.

Horrified and grieving, Amaterasu withdrew into the Heavenly Rock Cave (Ama-no-Iwato), plunging the world into darkness. Only through the clever stratagem of the eight million kami—creating a great celebration outside the cave—was she lured back out, restoring light to the world. As punishment for causing this catastrophe, Susanoo was expelled from heaven, his beard cut, his fingernails and toenails pulled, and massive fines imposed. He was cast down to the land of Izumo in mortal Japan.

The Slaying of Yamata no Orochi

Descending to earth near the Hi River in Izumo Province, the humbled storm god encountered an elderly couple, Ashinazuchi and Tenazuchi (their names meaning "Foot-Stroking Elder" and "Hand-Stroking Elder"), who were weeping beside their beautiful daughter Kushinadahime. Susanoo asked why they grieved.

The old man explained that they once had eight daughters, but for seven consecutive years, a terrible monster called Yamata no Orochi had come to devour one. Now only Kushinadahime remained, and the time had come for the creature to claim her as well. They were powerless to prevent it.

When Susanoo asked about this monster, they described a horror beyond imagining: Yamata no Orochi was an enormous serpent with eight heads and eight tails. Its eyes glowed red like winter cherries. Its body was so vast that it stretched across eight valleys and eight hills. Moss and cypress trees grew on its back. Its belly was perpetually bloody and inflamed. Storm clouds constantly gathered above it—hence the sword's original name, "Gathering Clouds of Heaven."

Susanoo, seeing an opportunity to redeem himself through heroic action and desiring the beautiful Kushinadahime as his bride, agreed to slay the monster in exchange for her hand in marriage. Though a mighty deity, Susanoo was also cunning. Rather than confronting the eight-headed serpent directly, he devised a stratagem.

He instructed Ashinazuchi to brew eight vats of especially strong sake (rice wine), refined eight times to make it irresistibly potent. He had them build eight platforms, place eight barrels upon them, and fill each barrel with the powerful liquor. Meanwhile, he transformed Kushinadahime into a comb and placed her in his hair for safekeeping.

When Yamata no Orochi arrived, its eight heads discovered the eight barrels of sake. Unable to resist, each head drank deeply from its own barrel. Soon the monster was thoroughly drunk, its eight heads drooping in stupor, and it fell into a deep sleep.

Seizing his opportunity, Susanoo drew his sword—the ten-span blade called Totsuka-no-Tsurugi—and began cutting the serpent to pieces. He hacked through the eight heads and eight tails, his blade turning the Hi River red with the monster's blood. The earth shook with the creature's death throes.

The Discovery of the Sacred Blade

As Susanoo cut into the middle tail, his blade struck something hard within the serpent's flesh and chipped. Surprised, he cut more carefully around the obstruction and discovered a magnificent sword embedded within the tail. This blade gleamed with divine light and possessed an aura of great power.

Even Susanoo, himself a great kami, recognized that this was no ordinary weapon. The sword's presence within the serpent suggested it was an artifact of profound significance, perhaps predating even Yamata no Orochi itself. Some traditions suggest the serpent had swallowed the blade long ago, or that it had formed within the creature over centuries, crystallized from its supernatural essence and the storm clouds that perpetually wreathed it.

Realizing that such a precious object belonged not to him but to the highest authority in heaven, Susanoo presented the sword to his sister Amaterasu as a reconciliation gift and token of his reformation. This act of humility and respect demonstrated his growth from the impetuous god who had been expelled from heaven. Amaterasu accepted the gift, and Susanoo was thus reconciled with heaven, though he chose to remain in Izumo as its patron deity.

The sword remained in heaven's keeping, recognized as one of the supreme treasures of the divine realm. It would eventually become part of the imperial regalia when Amaterasu's grandson Ninigi descended to earth to establish the imperial line, carrying the Three Sacred Treasures as symbols of his divine mandate.

Scholarly Interpretations

Modern scholars have offered various interpretations of this myth. Some see Yamata no Orochi as a symbolic representation of the flooding Hi River, with its eight heads as tributaries that periodically devastated the region (devouring "daughters" representing rice crops or villages). Susanoo's victory would then represent successful flood control or irrigation projects that tamed the river.

Others interpret the myth as encoding the historical conquest of Izumo by Yamato forces, with Susanoo representing the imperial power that defeated the native Izumo kingdom (symbolized by the serpent). The discovery of the sword would then represent the appropriation of Izumo's sacred regalia by the victors.

The sword's formation within the serpent may reflect ancient beliefs about magical swords being created through unusual means—growing within supernatural creatures, formed from lightning strikes, or emerging from sacred locations. The detail that Susanoo's blade chipped upon striking it emphasizes that Kusanagi was of superior quality, a weapon beyond even divine smithing.

As one of the Three Sacred Treasures and a blade born from a divine serpent, Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi possesses powers that transcend ordinary weapons. Its abilities have been demonstrated throughout Japanese mythology and have become fundamental to understanding its sacred role in the imperial succession.

Limitations and Sacred Restrictions

Unlike weapons in many other mythologies, Kusanagi's power is constrained by sacred protocol and religious law. The sword cannot be drawn casually or wielded for personal ambition. It is specifically imperial regalia, meaning it belongs to the office of the emperor, not to any individual. Even emperors themselves do not "own" it but serve as its custodians.

The blade must be treated with utmost reverence. When moved, it is carried by Shinto priests in elaborate ceremonies with specific purification rituals. The sword resides in nested containers, wrapped in sacred cloth, and is never exposed to common view. This treatment is not merely traditional but considered spiritually necessary—improper handling could bring divine punishment or calamity.

Additionally, Kusanagi's power is tied to legitimacy. It protects and empowers the rightful emperor but would presumably not serve a usurper or one who violated the sacred duties of the imperial office. The sword thus serves as both symbol and enforcer of proper order, its power conditional upon the wielder's moral and spiritual worthiness.

Susanoo-no-Mikoto - The Storm God

Susanoo-no-Mikoto, whose name means "Impetuous Male," is one of the principal kami in Shinto mythology. Born from the nose of Izanagi during his purification after visiting the underworld, Susanoo embodies the wild, untamed aspects of nature—storms, the sea, chaos, and transformation. His character arc from destructive troublemaker to heroic monster-slayer parallels the sword's own journey from the corpse of a monster to sacred imperial regalia.

After discovering Kusanagi within Yamata no Orochi, Susanoo's act of gifting it to Amaterasu demonstrated his reformation and re-established harmony between him and the heavens. He married Kushinadahime and settled in Izumo, where he built a grand palace and fathered the lineage of the Izumo deities. The descendants of Susanoo eventually intermarried with the descendants of Amaterasu, uniting the two divine lineages.

Susanoo is venerated particularly in Izumo Province (modern-day Shimane Prefecture), where the Izumo Grand Shrine honors him and his descendants. His worship emphasizes his protective and heroic aspects— the god who slays monsters, protects the innocent, and brings order from chaos, rather than the wild troublemaker of earlier myths.

Amaterasu Omikami - The Sun Goddess

Amaterasu, the supreme deity in Shinto and ancestral goddess of the imperial family, became the keeper of Kusanagi when Susanoo presented it to her. As the goddess of the sun and the heavens, Amaterasu represents order, cultivation, civilization, and divine sovereignty. Her possession of the sword transformed it from a weapon recovered from a monster into a sacred treasure of heaven.

When Amaterasu's grandson Ninigi-no-Mikoto descended from heaven to rule the earthly realm, she bestowed upon him the Three Sacred Treasures: Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (the sword), Yata no Kagami (the sacred mirror), and Yasakani no Magatama (the jewel). These objects symbolized his divine mandate and ensured the prosperity of his rule. Through Ninigi's line, the regalia passed to Emperor Jimmu, the legendary first emperor, establishing the unbroken imperial succession.

Major Myths Involving Kusanagi

Imperial Legitimacy and Divine Right

Kusanagi's primary symbolic function is to legitimize imperial authority. The Three Sacred Treasures— sword, mirror, and jewel—represent the emperor's divine descent from Amaterasu and the mandate of heaven to rule Japan. Without these treasures, particularly the sword, the coronation ceremony is considered incomplete, and the emperor's authority questionable.

This differs from European concepts of divine right in important ways. The Japanese emperor does not rule by personal divine nature (at least not solely) but as a custodian of sacred objects that embody the covenant between heaven and earth. The emperor serves as the bridge between the kami and humanity, and the regalia are the physical manifestation of this sacred role.

Throughout Japanese history, control of the Three Sacred Treasures has been crucial during succession disputes. Even when shoguns held actual political power, they could not claim to rule without the emperor, who possessed the regalia. This sacred symbolism allowed the imperial line to maintain continuity even during periods of powerlessness, as no military leader dared claim the treasures improperly.

Valor and Martial Virtue

Of the Three Sacred Treasures, Kusanagi specifically represents valor (the mirror represents wisdom, the jewel benevolence). The sword symbolizes the warrior spirit, the courage to face danger, and the strength to protect the realm from threats. This martial aspect connects the spiritual authority of the emperor with the practical necessity of defending the nation.

However, Japanese concepts of valor emphasize righteousness and duty over mere aggression. Yamato Takeru's eventual downfall came when he left the sword behind out of arrogance—true courage means humility before divine power and adherence to sacred duty. The sword thus represents not just the ability to fight but the wisdom to know when and how to wield power.

Transformation of Chaos into Order

Kusanagi's origin within Yamata no Orochi carries deep symbolic meaning. The serpent represented primordial chaos—destructive natural forces that terrorized humanity. Susanoo's slaying of the beast and discovery of the sword within it symbolizes the transformation of chaos into order, of destructive power into protective authority.

This theme resonates throughout Japanese culture: the understanding that civilization requires the domestication of wild forces, that order emerges from chaos, and that even from the greatest monsters can come treasures. The sword is not created fresh but discovered within the serpent, suggesting that power already exists in nature and must be recognized and properly channeled.

National Identity and Cultural Continuity

Beyond its religious significance, Kusanagi represents Japanese national identity and cultural continuity. The unbroken imperial line, stretching from mythological times to the present day, provides a sense of historical continuity unique among world nations. The sword physically embodies this continuity—allegedly the same object held by Susanoo in the Age of Gods, it bridges mythological and historical time.

During periods of national crisis, particularly during World War II and the post-war occupation, the preservation of the Three Sacred Treasures was considered essential to maintaining Japanese identity. Even as political structures changed and the emperor renounced claims to divinity in the post-war constitution, the regalia remained symbols of cultural identity that transcended politics.

Sacred Mystery and Hidden Power

Perhaps uniquely among legendary weapons, Kusanagi's power derives partly from not being seen. The sword's concealment is not merely practical preservation but fundamental to its nature. In Shinto belief, the deepest sacred objects must remain hidden—exposure to common view would profane them and diminish their spiritual power.

This concept, called hijiri (sacred concealment), reflects a worldview where mystery itself is sacred. Not everything can or should be known. Some truths must remain veiled. The hidden sword represents this philosophy—its power is greatest precisely because it remains unseen, known only through faith and tradition rather than empirical observation.

Elemental Control and Natural Harmony

The sword's association with wind and storms, derived from its origin in the storm-wreathed serpent, symbolizes humanity's relationship with natural forces. Proper rulership, in East Asian philosophy, maintains harmony between human society and the natural world. The emperor, wielding Kusanagi (at least symbolically), ensures this harmony.

When disasters strike—earthquakes, typhoons, floods—traditional interpretation sometimes viewed them as signs that the cosmic order was disturbed. The emperor's possession of the regalia and proper performance of rituals help maintain balance. The sword, having mastered the storm power of Yamata no Orochi, represents controlled natural force serving human flourishing rather than destroying it.

Anime and Manga

Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi appears frequently in Japanese popular culture, often as the ultimate legendary weapon or an object of immense power:

• Naruto: Orochimaru, named after the eight-headed serpent, wields the "Kusanagi no Tsurugi" as his signature weapon—a blade that can extend to great lengths and cut through nearly anything. This directly references the sword's mythological origin.
• Fate/Grand Order and the Fate series: Features multiple references to Kusanagi, sometimes as a Noble Phantasm (legendary weapon) and explores various interpretations of its mythological origins and powers.
• InuYasha: While not explicitly named, several legendary swords in the series draw inspiration from Kusanagi's mythology, particularly blades with elemental powers and divine origins.
• Noragami: References the Three Sacred Treasures and Japanese mythology extensively, with Kusanagi representing ultimate divine authority among weapons.
• Blue Exorcist (Ao no Exorcist): Features the sword as one of the most powerful demon-slaying weapons, drawing on its mythological role in defeating Yamata no Orochi.

Video Games

• Final Fantasy series: Kusanagi appears as a legendary weapon in multiple entries, often with wind or lightning elemental properties, referencing its storm origins.
• Okami: This game extensively draws on Japanese mythology, and while the protagonist wields a divine instrument rather than Kusanagi directly, references to the sword and its mythology appear throughout.
• Nioh and Nioh 2: Features Kusanagi as an extremely powerful legendary weapon obtainable in the game, often with special abilities reflecting its mythological powers.
• Warriors Orochi series: Directly features characters from the myth, including Susanoo and the eight-headed serpent, with Kusanagi as a key plot element and powerful weapon.
• Persona series: References Kusanagi as one of the ultimate weapons, tying into the games' heavy use of Japanese mythology and Shinto symbolism.
• Ghost of Tsushima: While not featuring the actual Kusanagi, the game's treatment of katana as sacred objects and the spiritual significance of swords draws on traditions surrounding the legendary blade.
• Puzzle & Dragons: Features Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi as a high-rarity divine weapon with powerful abilities.

Literature and Film

• Historical novels: Many Japanese historical fiction works feature the sword, particularly those set during the Genpei War or dealing with imperial succession.
• "Yamato Takeru" (1994 film): Depicts the legendary prince's adventures with the sword, including the famous grass-cutting incident.
• Contemporary fantasy: Numerous light novels and modern fantasy stories use Kusanagi as the ultimate legendary Japanese weapon, often in contests with weapons from other mythologies.
• Scholarly works: Academic books exploring the imperial regalia and their role in Japanese history and national identity frequently discuss Kusanagi's symbolic importance.

Martial Arts and Sword Culture

Beyond direct fictional depictions, Kusanagi influences Japanese sword culture broadly:

• Modern swordsmiths sometimes create replicas (though never claiming them as the actual treasure), imagining what the divine blade might have looked like.
• The sword represents the spiritual ideal in Japanese swordsmanship—the perfect blade, the sacred weapon that transcends mere martial function to embody spiritual principles.
• Martial arts philosophies sometimes reference Kusanagi when discussing the concept of the sword as spiritual tool rather than just weapon.
• Atsuta Shrine hosts sword-related festivals and ceremonies that honor both the physical blade and the broader tradition of Japanese swordcraft.

National and Cultural Symbolism

• Imperial ceremonies: The enthronement ceremony (Sokui no Rei) includes rituals involving the Three Sacred Treasures, though the actual Kusanagi never leaves Atsuta Shrine—a replica or representation is used.
• Diplomatic contexts: References to the imperial regalia appear in discussions of Japanese sovereignty and national identity, particularly during constitutional debates.
• Tourism and pilgrimage: Atsuta Shrine is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Japan, second only to Ise Grand Shrine, largely due to housing Kusanagi.
• Educational contexts: Japanese students learn about Kusanagi as part of studying national mythology and history, understanding its role in cultural identity.

Comparative Mythology

In global comparative mythology discussions, Kusanagi is often compared to:

• Excalibur (Arthurian legend) - another sword that legitimizes royal authority
• Durandal (French legend) - indestructible holy sword
• Gram/Balmung (Norse legend) - dragon-slaying blade
• Zulfiqar (Islamic tradition) - sword of divine authority

These comparisons highlight common themes across cultures: legendary swords as symbols of legitimate authority, weapons with origins in slaying monsters or given by divine sources, and blades that cannot be wielded by the unworthy.

The Other Sacred Treasures of Japan

• Yata no Kagami (Eight-Span Mirror): The sacred mirror used to lure Amaterasu from the Heavenly Rock Cave, enshrined at Ise Grand Shrine, represents wisdom
• Yasakani no Magatama (Curved Jewel): The sacred jewel of the imperial regalia, kept in the Imperial Palace, represents benevolence

Other Legendary Japanese Swords

• Totsuka-no-Tsurugi: The "Sword of Ten Spans" wielded by Susanoo to slay Yamata no Orochi, from which Kusanagi was recovered
• Ame-no-Habakiri: Another sword wielded by Susanoo in some versions of the myth
• Kogarasu-maru: A legendary sword with a unique double-pointed tip, said to be forged by Amakuni, legendary swordsmith
• Onimaru Kunitsuna: A blade said to have killed a demon that haunted the Hojo clan, considered one of the "Tenka Goken" (Five Greatest Swords Under Heaven)
• Dojigiri Yasutsuna: Famous for beheading the demon Shuten-doji, another of the Tenka Goken
• Muramasa blades: Legendary cursed swords made by the swordsmith Muramasa, said to thirst for blood
• Masamune blades: Swords by the greatest historical Japanese swordsmith, representing the perfect balance of art and martial function

Dragon-Slaying Swords from Other Cultures

• Gram/Balmung (Norse): Sigurd's sword used to slay the dragon Fafnir, with parallels to Kusanagi's origin in slaying a serpent
• Ascalon (Christian legend): St. George's lance used to slay the dragon, representing good triumphing over evil
• Excalibur (Arthurian): While not specifically a dragon-slayer, shares themes of divine origin and royal legitimacy with Kusanagi
• Tyrfing (Norse): Cursed sword that must kill a man every time it's drawn, showing the dangerous nature of legendary weapons

Imperial Regalia from Other Cultures

• British Crown Jewels: Particularly the Sword of State and Crown Jewels representing British monarchical authority
• Holy Lance (Spear of Destiny): Christian relic used in imperial coronations
• Sword of Mercy (Curtana): British coronation sword
• Reichssword: Used in Holy Roman Empire coronations
• Joyeuse: Legendary sword of Charlemagne, used in French coronations