The Black Mortal Blade, also known as Kuro no Fushigiri, is a legendary weapon from the game Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. It is one of two Mortal Blades, with the other being the Red Mortal Blade (Fushigiri). This blade holds immense significance in the lore of Sekiro, particularly in relation to the cycle of immortality and death.
Origins and Purpose
The Black Mortal Blade is said to be an ancient weapon with the power to kill even immortal beings. In the world of Sekiro, certain entities, such as the Undying, cannot be killed by normal means. However, the Black Mortal Blade is one of the few weapons capable of severing their immortality completely.
It was hidden away and guarded, much like the Red Mortal Blade, due to the immense power it holds. Unlike other weapons, this sword does not just cut the flesh—it severs the soul, ensuring that its target can never return.
Differences Between the Red and Black Mortal Blades
- The Red Mortal Blade (Fushigiri) - The blade that Wolf (the protagonist) acquires in the game. It is used to cut ties to immortality and plays a key role in various endings of Sekiro.
- The Black Mortal Blade (Kuro no Fushigiri) - This blade is wielded by Genichiro Ashina in his final form, known as Genichiro, Way of Tomoe. Unlike the Red Mortal Blade, which primarily severs immortality, the Black Mortal Blade is associated with the return of the Dragon’s Heritage to its origins.
Connection to Genichiro and Tomoe
The Black Mortal Blade is heavily linked to Genichiro Ashina and his master, Tomoe. It is believed that this blade was granted to Genichiro by Tomoe or found through her teachings. The Way of Tomoe is a unique fighting style, different from the traditional Ashina combat arts, and involves lightning-based attacks.
Genichiro, desperate to save the Ashina Clan, turns to this forbidden blade and sacrifices himself to wield its power. This is why he is able to return in his final battle against Wolf, despite having been defeated earlier.
Symbolism of the Black Mortal Blade
The Black Mortal Blade represents desperation and sacrifice. While the Red Mortal Blade is used to sever the bonds of immortality, the Black Mortal Blade seems to serve the opposite purpose—granting its wielder a connection to the divine forces that sustain life and death.
Genichiro's use of the blade is a testament to his willingness to abandon all morals and even his own life to achieve his goal. However, his reliance on it ultimately leads to his downfall, as he becomes nothing more than a vessel for Isshin, the Sword Saint.
The Fate of the Black Mortal Blade
Unlike the Red Mortal Blade, which remains with Wolf, the Black Mortal Blade seemingly vanishes after its use by Genichiro. Its exact fate is unknown, but it may have returned to the divine realm or been lost forever.
Conclusion
The Black Mortal Blade is one of the most mysterious weapons in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, embodying both the price of power and the consequences of tampering with forces beyond human control. While the Red Mortal Blade allows Wolf to end the cycle of immortality, the Black Mortal Blade serves as a grim reminder of how ambition and desperation can lead to ruin.
