Totsuka-no-Tsurugi

Totsuka-no-Tsurugi (十拳剣, lit. "Sword of Ten Hand-Breadths") is not a specific sword, but a common noun for any sword of this length. In Japanese mythology, numerous deities own a sword of this kind. Some examples of well-known Totsuka-no-Tsurugi:

  1. The totsuka sword used by Izanagi to kill his offspring Kagu-tsuchi.[1] This one is also named Ame-no-ohabari or Ama-no-Ohabari (天の尾羽張, lit. "sword of Takamagahara with blades on both sides of the tip").
  2. The totsuka sword used in the oath between Amaterasu and Susanoo. Amaterasu received this sword from Susanoo, snapped it to three pieces, and created the Three Munakata Goddesses from its debris. This sword was not named.
  3. Another totsuka sword in Susanoo's possession, which he used to slay Orochi. This sword is also named Ama-no-Habakiri or Ame-no-Habakiri (天羽々斬), Worochi-no-Aramasa (蛇之麁正), or Futsushimitama-no-tsurugi (布都斯魂剣). The sword is enshrined as the shintai of Isonokami Shrine.
  4. The totsuka sword wield by Takemikazuchi in quelling of the Middle Country. This sword is known as Futsunomitama-no-tsurugi (布都御魂剣), and is the main enshrined dedication in Isonokami Shrine.
  1. ^ "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home : Kami in Classic Texts : Amenoohabari". 2011-05-19. Archived from the original on 2011-05-19. Retrieved 2023-11-04.