00:00The secret behind the Odachi. Why did feudal samurai forge swords so massive that a warrior
00:06couldn't draw them alone? Known as field swords, these curved weapons featured single-edged blades
00:13spanning from 90 centimeters to over 2 meters. Crafting them was a huge challenge, as heating
00:19long steel evenly was required to prevent warping during quenching. Foot soldiers carried them on
00:24their backs, often relying on an assistant to help pull the sheath off before combat.
00:28As battlefield tactics evolved toward massed spears and firearms, these unwieldy weapons
00:34lost their combat role. Swordsmiths forged these giant blades primarily as sacred
00:39offerings for Shinto shrines to showcase status and devotion.
