Yamato Takeru is a name synonymous with bravery and heroism in Japanese folklore.
Not only did he defeat enemies, but he also journeyed to distant lands and fought against deities. His story is a blend of historical fact, folklore, and religion, creating something truly extraordinary.
The Courageous Prince
Prince Yamato Takeru with many divine achievements.
As the son of Keikō, the 12th Emperor of Japan, Yamato Takeru’s childhood was marked by extraordinary bravery, martial prowess, and intellect. Considered by some to be the first ninja, he quickly established himself as a formidable warrior and a skilled strategist.
The tale of Yamato Takeru unfolds at a time when mythology and reality were often indistinguishable. According to legend, he was born in the 1st century AD during the reign of the Yamato dynasty.
The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) depict Yamato Takeru as a valiant warrior and a symbol of the divine rule of the Yamato dynasty.
According to legend, Prince Yamato Takeru was tasked with punishing his older brother, who had shown disrespect to their father. He is said to have torn the criminal apart. In another version, Yamato discovered that his brother was plotting against their father, and he killed him to show loyalty to the Emperor.
Unfortunately, this brutal act horrified the Emperor. Not wanting to execute his son directly, the king sent Yamato to the province of Izumo (now Shimane Prefecture) and then to Kumaso (a legendary land) to quell uprisings without providing him with any troops. This was seen as a suicide mission by the Emperor. At that time, Yamato was not yet 16 years old.
However, the young prince did not quell the rebellion through warfare. It is said that, taking advantage of his youthful appearance, he disguised himself as a maid and infiltrated a banquet hosted by the chief of Kumaso. Approaching his enemy, Yamato killed him in front of the other guests. This legend has been described as the first ninja story.
Divine Achievements
Bronze statue of Prince Yamato Takeru at the Otori-taisha shrine, Osaka.
On his return after quelling Kumaso, Yamato is said to have killed several deities threatening his father’s kingdom. However, he soon realized that these victories did little to convince the Emperor that he 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 region, where another rebellion was initiated by the Emishi people.
On his journey, Yamato met his aunt, Princess Yamato-hime, the high priestess at Ise Grand Shrine. He confessed to her that he felt despondent because his father wanted him dead, sending him to quell rebellions without troops.
The princess took pity on the prince and lent him the holy sword (Kusanagi no tsurugi). This weapon was discovered by the storm god Susanoo from the corpse of an eight-headed serpent, symbolizing divine favor and the legitimacy of the imperial line.
Before reaching Emishi, Yamato was again given command of 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 gifted another sword, Kusanagi. With this gift, he proceeded to Emishi with his wife from Sagami Bay.
Unfortunately, a kami (deity) residing beneath the sea became enraged and sent a massive storm to sink his ship. Realizing that her husband could not withstand this powerful force in the ocean, Yamato’s wife, Oto Tachibana-hime, sacrificed herself to appease the angry deity.
Pleased with this sacrifice, the deity allowed Yamato’s ship to pass and land in Emishi. Awaiting on the beach, the rebel forces laid down their arms upon seeing the powerful Yamato.
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 deity of Mount Ibuki. Overconfident, he did not bother to use his swords.
As he climbed the mountain, Yamato saw a white boar crossing his path and mistook it for a messenger from the mountain god, thus lowering his guard. In reality, it was the deity who took advantage of this oversight to strike, defeating the arrogant hero. Yamato died shortly thereafter.
Legends say that his soul transformed into a giant white bird and flew away. His body was buried in a tomb at Ise, while his relics, including his beloved sword, were taken to the Atsuta Shrine.
Today, Yamato Takeru is revered throughout Japan as a courageous warrior and a god. The legacy of Yamato Takeru continues to inspire, reminding the people of Japan of the timeless values of bravery and the complex interplay between humans and the divine.
