草薙の剣 · くさなぎのつるぎ · objects

Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi

A sacred sword representing valor and nobility.

Definition

Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi is one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan, symbolizing the warrior spirit and bravery. Linked to the legendary hero Yamato Takeru, this sword is considered a talisman of protection and a tool for establishing order. Kusanagi serves as an important emblem during various Shinto rites, asserting the divine authority of the imperial family.

Etymology

The term 'Kusanagi' (草薙) suggests 'grass-cutting', connected to its mythological origins in defeating a serpent.