Sword of the Demon by Richard A. Lupoff
"Sword of the Demon" is a narrative steeped in elements of Japanese mythology, following the journey of a yellow androgyne who transforms into a woman named Kishomo. The storyline unfolds as she navigates a conflict between powerful figures, including the man-god Aizen and the elderly king Miroku. After a series of intense battles and alliances, Kishomo saves Aizen from a frozen state, leading them to a mythical underwater realm where they seek the magic sword Kuzanagi from a dragon, aided by the adviser Susano-wo. The tale explores themes of honor, sacrifice, and transformation, particularly as Susano-wo ultimately chooses to commit hara-kiri after slaying the dragon.
As the narrative progresses, Kishomo inherits the sword and, alongside her allies, engages in a crucial battle against demons threatening their land. The conflict culminates in a dramatic showdown where they confront forces from both sides, leading to widespread destruction. As the story concludes, Kishomo finds herself separated from her companions and enters a state of suspended animation, leaving her fate uncertain. This tale intricately weaves mythological elements with personal growth and communal struggles, making it a rich exploration of identity and destiny.
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Sword of the Demon
First published: 1976
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Fantasy—magical world
Time of work: Indeterminate
Locale: The world of Japanese folklore
The Plot
Fleeing through inchoate space from a black, neuter figure, a yellow androgyne takes refuge in a world similar to that of Japanese mythology. She becomes a woman called Kishomo and is taken by the man-god Aizen to a ship that is half controlled by Aizen’s rival for control of the land of Tsunu, the elderly king Miroku. Aizen and his demon allies have control of the other half of the ship.
During a battle with sea raiders, Kishomo is left apparently alone on another ship, but she discovers Aizen frozen in ice and saves him with the heat of her body. They travel to a land at the bottom of the sea, where they are joined by Susano-wo, adviser to the king beneath the water. He desires to regain his family’s honor by obtaining the magic sword Kuzanagi from a dragon. When the three of them return to land, they encounter Okinu-Nushi, the Spirit Master, a mysterious warrior being who attaches himself to them and helps them travel to the land where the dragon is about to take its fill of local children. Susano-wo cleverly kills the beast and commits hara-kiri at the moment of his triumph. Kishomo inherits the sword.
Aizen is returned to the ship by his demons, and Okinu-Nushi helps Kishomo return as well. They ally themselves with Miroku, and Kishomo uses her sword’s magic power to seal the demons’ only access to the rest of the ship. Kishomo, Okinu-Nushi, and Miroku—now transformed into the legendary hero Issun Boshi, Little One Inch—rush to the land of Tsuna as the demons attack its human defender, only to be attacked themselves by Issun Boshi’s forces from the ship. The three allies, joined by Aizen, watch the evenly matched forces destroy each other. Okinu-Nushi takes his leave, and the others decide to explore other realms of being because there is nothing left of interest in Tsuna. Kishimo is separated from her companions and enters a state of suspended animation.