- Joined
- Sep 30, 2024
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- 1
Hello everyone
I am trying to identify this sword. First I will give some context.
This Japanese sword (I think it is a Tachi, and so I heard it referred) is located in the Greek Orthodox monastery of Archangel Michael in the island of Lesvos. It is placed as a dedication to the aforementioned archangel, along with a bunch of other stuff, some of them swords (cheap, decorative swords). The rationale being that according to a legend, many centuries past, the monastery became target of pirates, Michael intervened killing all of them, but not before they had already slaughterd the monks there -except from one. He then made a clay from the dirt and the monks’ blood and made this icon, depicting Michael.
The sword in question was placed there in the 80’s (if I am not mistaken). There is a legend going around here, in religio-conspiracy cycles, that this sword is none other than Sakanoue no Tamuramaro’s (Heian period, 8-9th century AD) imbued with mystical properties and stuff. So, my question (trying to debunk this) is “Is it real?”.
Is it really a Tachi from Heian period?
Look at the tsuka. Are they warriors from that era?
Look at the engravings on the blade. What do they mean (if anything)? Have you ever heard of engravings like these in swords from that period?
I also noticed that the blade reflects like a mirror and does not look “matte” (excuse my ignorance of proper terms). That maybe indicates a cheap replica? I don’t know, so I turn to the experts.
Can you help me with this quest? Or do you know someone who can help me identifying this?
Thank you all.
I am trying to identify this sword. First I will give some context.
This Japanese sword (I think it is a Tachi, and so I heard it referred) is located in the Greek Orthodox monastery of Archangel Michael in the island of Lesvos. It is placed as a dedication to the aforementioned archangel, along with a bunch of other stuff, some of them swords (cheap, decorative swords). The rationale being that according to a legend, many centuries past, the monastery became target of pirates, Michael intervened killing all of them, but not before they had already slaughterd the monks there -except from one. He then made a clay from the dirt and the monks’ blood and made this icon, depicting Michael.
The sword in question was placed there in the 80’s (if I am not mistaken). There is a legend going around here, in religio-conspiracy cycles, that this sword is none other than Sakanoue no Tamuramaro’s (Heian period, 8-9th century AD) imbued with mystical properties and stuff. So, my question (trying to debunk this) is “Is it real?”.
Is it really a Tachi from Heian period?
Look at the tsuka. Are they warriors from that era?
Look at the engravings on the blade. What do they mean (if anything)? Have you ever heard of engravings like these in swords from that period?
I also noticed that the blade reflects like a mirror and does not look “matte” (excuse my ignorance of proper terms). That maybe indicates a cheap replica? I don’t know, so I turn to the experts.
Can you help me with this quest? Or do you know someone who can help me identifying this?
Thank you all.
