Japanese warrior god of swords
Futsunushi
Futsunushi is a warrior god in Japanese mythology, associated with swords and with the peaceful takeover of the land. He is often worshipped alongside Takemikazuchi at Katori Shrine.
The myth
According to the Nihon Shoki, he was born from drops of blood that fell from Izanagi's sword after he killed the fire god Kagutsuchi, although other versions make him the son of Iwatsutsunoo and Iwatsutsunome.
Alongside Takemikazuchi, he was sent by the gods of heaven to demand that Ōnamuchi, ruler of the land, hand over the country in the myth known as kuni-yuzuri. After several versions and rebellions, Ōnamuchi agrees, and Futsunushi travels the land punishing those who oppose him.
Worship and religion
He is the main deity of Katori Jingū in present-day Chiba Prefecture and appears in many shrines of the Katori network, as well as at Kasuga and Shiogama. Since antiquity he has been regarded as a god of war, and the Ryōjin Hishō of 1179 records his worship as a martial deity. His cult continues today at shrines across the country.
Legacy
His son Ame-no-Naemasu is considered the ancestor of the Katori clan, which served as priests at the shrine. He is also regarded as a patron of the martial arts.
Ancient sources: The Nihon Shoki, the Kogo Shūi and the Izumo Fudoki; the Kojiki does not include him in the account of the transfer of the land.