On the Night of the Fox Hammering--The Sacred Sword "Kogumaru" and the Dream of the Dynasty (Mid-Heian)

On the Night of the Fox Hammering--The Sacred Sword "Kogumaru" and the Dream of the Dynasty (Mid-Heian)

The reign of Emperor Ichijo (986-1011) in the mid-Heian period was the height of aristocratic culture, during which Murasaki Shikibu and Sei Shonagon were active. During this period, Sanjo Munechika, who lived in Kyoto, was known as a master sword smith and made the tachi, the symbol of royal authority. One night, the emperor received an oracle in a dream and ordered Munechika to make a sword. However, Munechika, who had no one to assist him, prayed to Inari Myojin, the deity of his clan. A divine spirit in the form of a fox appeared and hammered the sword together with Munechika. Thus was completed "Kogumaru". The story of the birth of this sacred sword later became a popular song, "Ko-Kaji," and Munechika became a symbol of folk belief. At that time, the sword was not a tool for warfare, but a decorative symbol of dynastic culture, and was considered to be imbued with spiritual power and mystery. The legend of "Kogumaru" is a story of the fusion of kingship and myth, swords
and faith, and tells of the moment when the Japanese sword transcended mere weaponry to become a symbol of culture and spirituality.