Sword Saint

Sword Saint
First mentioned:	August 27, 2007
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The documentary Sword Saint details the life and legend of Takezo Kensei. It is found at yamagatofellowship.org.

About

On August 27, 2007, yamagatofellowship.org began airing a five-part documentary about Takezo Kensei. Interviews were conducted with experts, including Professor Donna Dorn (from the University of Chicago, Japanese Studies), Curator Tatsuya Atsumi (of the Museum of Cultural History in Tokyo, Japan), and Professor Karen Chamberlin (from the University of Cambridge's Literature Department).

Chapter 1: The Battle of 12 Swords

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Despite Japan's isolationist stance, Whitebeard ravaged the country from within. Culminating in an attack on Otsu, the overconfident Whitebeard marched into the town with only a handful of men. He was met by Kensei, who singlehandedly defeated the entire company. The battle was to become known as The Battle of 12 Swords. Determined to defeat the rest of Whitebeard's army, Kensei set out on a journey to find Whitebeard's Hidden Fortress. These adventures became known as The Trials of Takezo Kensei.

Chapter 2: The Trial of the Fire Scroll

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After defeating Whitebeard, Kensei set out to find Whitebeard's Fire Scroll, which was said to contain many secrets, including the location of the Hidden Fortress. Whitebeard, who is said to have conspired with oni, or devils, to set the scroll in a circle of fire, would burn the families and villages of those who attempted to seek to the scroll. As legend has it, Whitebeard chose ninety angry ronin to protect the scroll, even possibly resorting to cannibalism if necessary. Kensei defeated these men, acquired the scroll, and set off on his next two trials: climbing the frozen waterfall and finding the single crimson peony.

Chapter 3: The Trial of the Hidden Fortress

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After completing the last two challenges, Kensei defeats the Black Bear, from whom he gains a map to Whitebeard's fortress. Before arriving, however, he is ambushed by the Snake Women, two female assassins said to be half-snake. They escape with their lives, and Kensei reaches the Hidden Fortress. There, he defeats every one of Whitebeard's men in a battle lasting 11 days. Finally, he duels Whitebeard himself, and after an epic battle, Kensei emerges as the victor, saving all of Japan from tyrannical rule.

Chapter 4, Part 1: Kensei and the Dragon

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Before his trials, Kensei fell in love with a beautiful princess who made him swear to defend Japan from Whitebeard. To prepare, Kensei sought the Dragon of Kiso Mountain, who taught exceptional sword skills to those who truly needed to be taught. The Dragon taught Kensei and made him a "sword saint", but demanded that Kensei give what he loved most. After Kensei's trials, he and the princess decided to marry, but the celebrations were short-lived--the enormous Dragon interrupted their marriage ceremony and demanded the princess. To protect his love, Kensei plunged his sword into his heart, then offered his heart to the Dragon.

Chapter 4, Part 2: Kensei and the Dragon

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Though Kensei died in the arms of his love, exactly what happened next to him remains a mystery. Legend says that the Dragon, moved by Kensei's love and honor, replaced Kensei's heart and brought him back to life. Likewise, the identity of the princess is uncertain. One unpopular theory is that she is Yaeko, daughter of the sword maker, resident of Otsu, and the creator of the Kensei scrolls.

Chapter 5: The Mystery of Kensei

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Some believe that before his trials, Kensei was a savage and undisciplined figure, feared for his rage and temper. It is believed that it was Kensei's sword which focused his great talent. Little is known of the weapon's origin, though popular belief dictates that Kensei drew the sword from a field of solid ice, similar to the story of King Arthur. However, the actual existence of the sword and of Kensei himself were doubted for centuries, until 1977 when Daniel Linderman, of the Linderman Corporation, claimed to own the actual sword. Mystery once again shrouded the tale of Kensei when the sword was stolen from Linderman's archives, and Linderman was found dead in his office shortly thereafter. The sword was believed to be cursed, never meant to be owned or kept in one place.

Notes

• At the end of the last chapter of Sword Saint, Hana hacks into yamagatofellowship.org with a pop-up message that leads readers to her blog. The pop-up message reads:

I need to show you more...Follow me. Click here.

• Several of Kensei's trials are mythologized in Sword Saint. The story of how these trials actually unfolded can be seen in various media. The Battle of 12 Swords is depicted in the episode Lizards. Kensei's trip to the Hidden Fortress to obtain the Fire Scroll is shown in Kindred. His victory over the Black Bear is shown in the graphic novel The Trial of the Black Bear.

Trivia

• The documentary was narrated by John Rhys-Davies, written by Chuck Kim, and directed by Yule Caise. The director of photography was Kent Hughes and all parts were filmed at the Sunset Gower Studios.

Gallery

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  Kensei is the "Sword Saint".

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  According to legend, Kensei learned his sword skills from the Dragon of Kiso Mountain.

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  Kensei was able to defeat Whitebeard in the Battle of Twelve Swords.

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  Whitebeard's Hidden Fortress was protected by many men.

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  Whitebeard's secrets were fiercely guarded in the Fire Scroll.

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  The 90 cannibalistic ronin were no match for the Sword Saint.

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  Kensei obtained the location of the Hidden Fortress from the Black Bear.

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  Though the Snake Women were not killed by Kensei, they were unable to stop his quest.

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  In a battle lasting several days, Kensei was able to defeat Whitebeard's army...

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  ...and eventually Whitebeard himself.

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  Kensei then prepared to marry his love...

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  ...but killed himself on his wedding day in order to protect her.

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  Yaeko, the creator of the Kensei scrolls, is also believed by some to be the Kensei's princess.

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  Many believe that Kensei retrieved his sword from a field of solid ice.

External Links

• Sword Saint documentary at yamagatofellowship.org
• Sword Saint transcript
• Interview in which writer Chuck Kim discusses Sword Saint, Heroes Wiki, 11/4/08
• Sword Saint on IMDb