Japanese swords are science and art wonders. Scientists today are startled to find out that ancient smiths were able to harden and toughen iron ores without the use of modern metal-working machineries. Japanese swords played an extraordinary role in Japanese history, beginning with the mythology of it's creation. The Sun Goddess, Amaterasu Omikami is said to have given her grandson, Ninigi-no Mikoto, a sword when he was sent down to reign on earth.Swords were thought to have miraculous powers and lives of their own. As a result a strict code of etiquette was developed for handling and maintaining swords. Swords were thought to have miraculous powers and lives of their own. Soldiers defeated in battle prayed at the shrines of the war-god Hachiman, asking why their swords had lost their spirit. Many stories have come down about the spiritual powers of notable blades as well as the keen sharpness of the blade.
