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"I'm a treasure of the Minamoto Clan, Hizamaru. While being tested on a criminal, I cut both of his knees in a single strike, so I was given this name. Though, just like my elder brother, there are people who wish to call me by other names."
Name:
Type: Tachi
Height: ??
Association: Genji/Minamoto
List of known names:
- Makuragami (枕上, on the cushion): the first known name of this sword. It comes from the theory that the Emperor of Japan ordered to forge two swords using the iron of an exactly halved naginata. The blacksmith Mōfusa forged Hizamaru, and Kokaji Munechika forged Higekiri, which measured three sun less than the other sword. The first blade was named Makuragami due to the alleged honest use of the material, and reached a privileged position over Munechika's sword.
- Hizamaru (膝丸, knee cutter): the sword was renamed after a cutting test (tameshigiri). In that period it was usual to use criminals and dead bodies to check the quality of the blade, and this sword managed to cut from the neck down to the knee of the victim.
- Kumokirimaru (蜘蛛切丸, spider slasher): the name changed again when Minamoto no Yorimitsu (Raikō), who was suffering from a sudden illness, slashed a shadow that approached him in the midst of a feverish delirium. It turned out to be the influence of a Tsuchigumo.
- Hoemaru (吠 丸, howler): both swords Hizamaru and Higekiri came to Minamoto no Tameyoshi's hands, and he changed their names after a night when he noticed that the blades were making noises and grunts. Hizamaru sounded like a snake and Higekiri like a lion's cub.
- Usumidori (薄 緑, light green): Minamoto no Yoshitsune (aka Imanotsurugi's master) renamed this sword again because it reminded him of the Kumano mountains. His most well known name.
