Among the many figures in Japanese mythology, Yamato Takeru stands out as a warrior who lived a dramatic and tragic life. Known for his incredible battles and heroic deeds, he ultimately met a sorrowful end.
This article explores his legendary life and the famous Swan Legend associated with him.
Early Life and the Conquest of the Kumaso Tribe
Yamato Takeru was born as the son of Emperor Keikō, the 12th emperor of Japan. From an early age, he displayed exceptional bravery and a fierce temperament, which made even his own father fear him.
To keep him at a distance, the emperor ordered him to subdue the rebellious Kumaso brothers in Kyushu. Given no soldiers to accompany him, Yamato Takeru set out alone. On his way, he visited his aunt, Yamato-hime, who gave him a short sword and special garments.
Disguising himself as a young girl, Yamato Takeru infiltrated the enemy’s feast and waited for the right moment.
Seizing the opportunity, he swiftly struck down the older brother and then fatally wounded the younger one. With his dying breath, the younger Kumaso warrior praised Yamato Takeru’s strength and bestowed upon him the name “Yamato Takeru no Mikoto” (Brave of Yamato).
Upon being asked his name by the younger Kumaso warrior, Yamato Takeru responded, “I am Ōusu no Mikoto, son of Emperor Keikō, who rules the land of Yamato. You have defied the imperial court and repeatedly rebelled, so I have been sent here by imperial decree to put an end to your resistance.”
Hearing this, the younger Kumaso warrior acknowledged Yamato Takeru’s strength, saying, “So, there was a warrior stronger than my brother and me, the invincible men of the west. Before I leave this world, I wish to grant you a new name. Let me call you ‘Yamato Takeru.'” As soon as he finished speaking, Yamato Takeru swiftly ended his life.
Eastern Expedition and the Kusanagi Sword
After his victory in Kyushu, Yamato Takeru returned home, only to be immediately sent on another mission—this time to conquer the eastern provinces of Japan. Feeling abandoned by his father, he lamented, “Does my father wish for my death? I have only just returned home, yet he sends me off again without even granting me soldiers. Does he truly desire my demise?” With tears in his eyes, he confided in his aunt, Yamato-hime.
Moved by his sorrow, Yamato-hime presented him with the legendary Kusanagi no Tsurugi (Kusanagi Sword), one of Japan’s Three Sacred Treasures. This sword was originally found in the tail of the fearsome Yamata no Orochi when it was slain by the deity Susanoo. It was later enshrined by Amaterasu and passed down to the imperial lineage as a divine artifact.
For more information about the sword,
check the article below!
His journey was fraught with peril. In present-day Kanagawa Prefecture, he was ambushed by enemies who set fire to the surrounding grasslands. Using the Kusanagi Sword, he cut through the flames and created an escape route, thus saving himself.
Later, while crossing Uraga Strait, his wife, Ototachibana-hime, sacrificed herself to calm the raging sea, ensuring his safe passage.
What? Was he a married man?!
Some legends also suggest that Yamato Takeru had a fiancée named Miyazu-hime.
Don’t worry.
It’s just a story!
After subduing the eastern provinces, Yamato Takeru set his sights on Mount Ibuki to defeat a powerful deity. However, he made the grave mistake of leaving the Kusanagi Sword behind. Underestimating his foe, he was struck down by a divine white boar that unleashed a devastating storm upon him. Severely wounded, he attempted to return home but succumbed to his injuries in what is now Mie Prefecture.
The Swan Legend
As he lay dying, Yamato Takeru composed a poem praising the beauty of his homeland:
“Yamato is a land of great splendor, surrounded by mountains like a fortress, hidden yet radiant.”
It is said that after his passing, his soul transformed into a white bird and soared into the western sky. This story, known as the Swan Legend, symbolizes his spirit’s final liberation and has been passed down for generations.
This story makes me sad.
Shrines Dedicated to Yamato-Takeru
Today, several shrines honor his legacy, including:
Yaizu Shrine | Shizuoka Prefecture |
 Kasado Shrine | Mie Prefecture |
Final thoughts about Yamato Takeru
Yamato Takeru was a fearless warrior whose journey took him across Japan’s vast lands. Despite his incredible feats, his fate was a tragic one, culminating in the legend of his soul taking flight as a swan.
Among Japan’s many legendary heroes, Yamato Takeru’s tale remains one of the most epic and moving. Why not take a moment to reflect on his story and its enduring legacy?
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