History Of The Masamune Legend

The legendary sword, Masamune, has a long, rich backstory. This sword, introduced in Final Fantasy VII as the primary weapon of Sephiroth, is difficult to wield and powerful when wielded properly. Masamune Okazaki is considered Japan's greatest sword smith from the 13th and 14th centuries, creating various swords and dangers that were especially prized for superior beauty and quality.

A legend, though inaccurate, tells that tale of Masamune and Muramasa, another swordsmith of the time. Legend says that Muramasa challenged Masamune to see who could make a finer sword. Each poured enormous effort into creating the best work, and each created a vastly superior blade than might be the standard. To test the effectiveness of each sword maker's skill, they dipped each into the water of a small creek, with the cutting edge facing the current. 10,000 Winters, the blade of Murasama, cut everything that crossed it; fish, leaves, even the air itself. Tender Hands, Masamune's sword, did something rather unexpected. No leaves were cut, fish swam right up next to it, and a gentle hum could be heard of the air passing by it. Smiling to himself, Masamune pulled his sword from the water, dried it, and sheathed it.

Muramasa laughed at the sight, seeing the seeming ineffectiveness of the other's blade. But a wise monk had been watching the whole ordeal. The monk took note of everything that had happened, and told Muramasa what he saw. "The first of the swords was by all accounts a fine sword, however it is a blood thirsty, evil blade as it doesn't discriminate as to who or what it will cut. It may just as well be cutting down butterflies as severing heads. The second was by far the finer of the two, as it doesn't needlessly cut that which is innocent and undeserving."

Truthfully, though, Muramasa and Masamune were from different time periods and could have never met for such a contest. Though it is likely that Final Fantasy creators heard of the legendary swordsmith, Masamune, when deciding on a name for the omnipotent sword of Sephiroth.