Forged in 1446, the Norimitsu Odachi is Japan’s Longest Sword

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The Norimitsu Odachi sword from Japan is so large that it was said to have been wielded by a giant. Apart from the basic knowledge of it being forged in the 15th century AD, this impressive sword is shrouded in mystery.

Norimitsu belongs to the famous line of swordsmiths that began in the Oei Bizen school in 1394 and continued until the end of Bizen around 1428.

The ōdachi was used as a weapon, but because of magnificent appearance, it was often used as an offering to kami, a Shinto shrine. For example, Ōyamazumi Shrine, which is said to be a treasure house of Japanese swords and armor, is dedicated to the national treasure Ōdachi, which was dedicated by Emperor Go-Murakami, and ōdachi, which was dedicated by Ōmori Naoharu and killed Kusunoki Masashige -Wikipedia

The longest-known ōdachi is the Haja-no-Ontachi, the Great Evil-Crushing Blade. Its length is 183 inches, and it weighs 165 pounds.