Hotarumaru

Hotarumaru (蛍丸, "Firefly"[1]) is an ōdachi (Japanese huge greatsword) forged by the swordsmith Rai Kunitoshi (来国俊)[2] and an Important Cultural Property of Japan.[3]

A drawing of Hotarumaru from Shūko Jisshu (『集古十種』)

History

The name came from a legend that one night flaws on the blade were repaired by fireflies.[4][5] The ōdachi is also known as Aso no Hotarumaru (阿蘇の蛍丸) since it was kept as a treasure of the Aso Shrine.[6]

The ōdachi was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan (then-National Treasure) on December 14, 1931.[3] Since the end of World War II, however, it has been missing.[6]

References
  1. Murray, John (1913), A Handbook for Travellers in Japan (including Formosa), London, p. 469
  2. 柴田 & 大河内 2005, p. 252.
  3. 昭和6年12月14日文部省告示第332号（参照：国立国会図書館デジタルコレクション、3コマ目）
  4. 福永, 酔剣 (1993), "ほたるまる【蛍丸】", 日本刀大百科事典, 5, 雄山閣, p. 24, ISBN 4-639-01202-0
  5. 武富, 邦茂 (1943), "蛍丸国俊", 日本刀と無敵魂, 彰文館
  6. 柴田 & 大河内 2005, p. 254.

Bibliography
  • 柴田, 光男; 大河内, 常平 (2005), 趣味の日本刀, 雄山閣出版, ISBN 4-639-01881-9
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