Yamato Takeru

The Brave of Yamato

Yamato Takeru, a legendary prince of early Japan, was a fierce and cunning warrior celebrated in the ancient chronicles. He subdued rebellious chieftains, once disguising himself as a serving maiden to slay the Kumaso brothers at a feast. Wielding the sacred sword Kusanagi, he escaped a grassfire trap set by his enemies by cutting back the burning grass. Worn down by his endless campaigns, he died of illness and was said to have transformed into a great white bird.