Skip to the content
The Library
of Alexandria
Sign inTry 3 months free3 months free

Bushido, Part 13 summary

Part 13 of 17 · 5 min to read the part

In The Sword, the Soul of the Samurai,, the essay traces the sword’s place in warrior training, status, worship, and craftsmanship, then distinguishes its proper use from abuse. Count Katsu’s refusal to kill supports the argument that peace is knighthood’s highest ideal, despite the samurai’s continued praise of martial qualities.

What happens

  1. A samurai boy receives a real sword at five and gains independent action at fifteen, with weapons marking status and responsibility.
  2. The paired swords receive affection and reverence, while elaborate fittings display artistic skill and owners’ vanity.
  3. The swordsmith approaches his craft through prayer and purification, producing a blade that inspires beauty, awe, and terror.
  4. The essay acknowledges cruel misuse but insists that Bushido condemns drawing a weapon without cause.
  5. Count Katsu describes refusing to kill and fastening his sword to make drawing it difficult.
  6. The essay identifies peace as knighthood’s highest ideal, then contrasts that ideal with samurai praise of martial qualities.

Free for 3 months

Get the full summary of Bushido, the Soul of Japan, free

  • 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
  • Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.

In this part

Theme: Strength through restraint

What to notice

The sentence separates possession of a weapon from permission to use it. It states the restraint that Katsu’s example illustrates.

Quick check

Why does Count Katsu fasten his sword’s hilt tightly to its scabbard?

Free for 3 months

Get the full summary of Bushido, the Soul of Japan, free

  • 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
  • Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold

15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.

Try 3 months free