* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Mukadegiri
蜈蚣切
Also known as: Mukadegiri-maru / Tachi attributed to Fujiwara no Hidesato
Description
Overview
Mukadegiri is a tachi said to have been used by the mid-Heian warrior Fujiwara no Hidesato, also called Mukadegiri-maru. It survives at Ise Jingu and is said to have been forged in the tenth century by a swordsmith named Shinsoku.
Legend
It is said to be one of the treasures given by the Dragon God to Fujiwara no Hidesato (Tawara Toda) in thanks for slaying the giant centipede of Mt. Mikami in Omi Province. However, the centipede legend arose after the Muromachi period, and it is highly doubtful that Hidesato actually used this sword. According to the scabbard inscription it was dedicated to Ise Jingu in 1765 (Meiwa 2), and it is also recorded in Matsudaira Sadanobu's Shuko Jisshu as "Mukadegiri tachi of Tawara Toda Hidesato kept at Ise Daijingu".
Form
According to the Shuko Jisshu the blade is 2 shaku 5 sun 5 bu (about 77.3 cm) with a tang of 6 sun 8 bu, in kanmuri-otoshi style with a large kissaki and a rounded-end naginata-style groove. It is unsigned, but the reverse carries an inscription that can be read "Kono nagatachi Tawara Toda Hidesato mukadegiri nari, sakusha Shin...". It is appraised as dating to around the fourteenth century, and is thought to have been dedicated by Hidesato's descendants proud of the legend.
Distinction from the Kenukigata Tachi
Ise Jingu also holds an Important Cultural Property kenukigata tachi attributed to Hidesato. Although books sometimes treat it as the same as Mukadegiri, they are separate swords.
Legends & Stories
A tachi said to have been given by the Dragon God to Hidesato for slaying the giant centipede of Mt. Mikami.