Legend of the Divine Warrior of Japan

Yamato Takeru is a name associated with courage and heroism in Japanese folklore.

Not only did he destroy his enemies, he traveled to distant lands and fought gods. His story is a combination of historical fact, folklore and religion, creating something truly extraordinary.

Prince of Courage

Prince Yamato Takeru with many divine feats.

The son of the ruler Keikō, the 12th Emperor of Japan, Yamato Takeru's early life was marked by extraordinary courage, martial prowess, and intellect. Considered by some to be the first ninja, he quickly established himself as a powerful warrior and talented tactician.

Yamato Takeru's story takes place in a time when myth and fact are often difficult to distinguish. According to legend, he was born in the first century AD, during the reign of the Yamato dynasty.

The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) describe Yamato Takeru as a brave warrior and a symbol of the divine right to rule of the Yamato dynasty.

According to legend, Prince Yamato Takeru was tasked with executing his brother, who had disrespected their father, and had the criminal torn to pieces. According to another version, Yamato discovered that his brother was plotting against his father and killed him to show his loyalty to the emperor.

Unfortunately, this brutal incident frightened the emperor. Not wanting to execute his son directly, the king sent Yamato to Izumo Province (present-day Shimane Prefecture) and then Kumaso (a legendary land) to suppress the rebellions without providing any troops. This was considered a suicide mission by the emperor's intention. At this time, Yamato was not even 16 years old.

However, the young prince did not quell the rebellion through war. It is said that, taking advantage of his youthful beauty, he disguised himself as a maid and infiltrated a drinking party held by the Kumaso chieftain. Approaching the enemy, Yamato stabbed him to death in front of the other partygoers . This legend has been described as the first ninja story .

Divine feat

Bronze statue of Prince Yamato Takeru at Otori-taisha shrine, Osaka.

On his return from suppressing the Kumaso Rebellion, Yamato is said to have killed several gods who threatened his father's kingdom. However, he soon realized that these victories did little to convince the king that his son was not a danger to him.

Instead of rewarding him, the emperor decided to send his son on another suicide mission. This time, he sent Yamato to the eastern lands, where another rebellion was being waged by the Emishi.

On the way, Yamato meets his aunt, Princess Yamato-hime, the high priestess of the Ise Grand Shrine. He confesses to her that he is depressed because his father wanted to kill him, for sending him to quell a rebellion without providing him with soldiers.

The princess took pity on the prince and lent him the holy sword (Kusanagi no tsurugi). This was the weapon that the storm god Susanoo found in the corpse of the great eight-headed snake, a symbol of divine favor and royal legitimacy.

Before reaching Emishi, Yamato was again assigned to command a military campaign against the rebels in Yemishi. After defeating the enemy, on his way back, the prince once again visited his aunt and was presented with another sword, Kusanagi. With this gift, he headed to Emishi with his wife from Sagami Bay.

Unfortunately, a kami (god) living under the sea became angry and summoned a great storm to sink his ship. Realizing that her husband was no match for such a powerful force in the ocean, Yamato's wife, Oto Tachibana-him, sacrificed herself to appease the angry god.

Satisfied with the sacrifice, the god let Yamato's ship pass and dock at Emishi. The rebels were lying in wait on the beach, but upon seeing the mighty Yamato, they folded their spears and surrendered.

According to legend, Yamato died in the 43rd year of his father's reign while returning home from the eastern lands. During that journey, the prince decided to attack the god of Mount Ibuki. Overconfident, he did not need to use his swords.

While climbing the mountain, Yamato saw a white wild boar crossing the road and mistook it for a messenger from the mountain god, so he did not pay attention and was not on guard. In fact, it was the god himself and he took advantage of this opening to attack and defeat the arrogant hero. Yamato died not long after.

Legend has it that his spirit transformed into a giant white bird and flew away. His body was buried in a tomb at Ise, and his relics, including his beloved sword, were brought to Atsuta Shrine .

Today, Yamato Takeru is revered throughout Japan as a brave warrior and a deity . Yamato Takeru's legacy continues to inspire and remind the Japanese people of the timeless values ​​of courage and the complex interplay between humans and the divine.