Top 10 Most HORRIFYING Facts about SAMURAI WARFARE In this thrilling video from TopTenz, hosted by Simon Whistler, we dive into some of the most unsettling and fascinating aspects of samurai warfare. The discussion centers around the 16th century, highlighting the deeply ingrained customs and brutal practices of samurai culture through historical accounts. Here’s a recap of the ten shocking facts presented in the video:
Head Collecting as a Warrior's Goal: Central to samurai culture was the practice of head collecting—where warriors sought not only to defeat foes but also to bring back their heads as trophies. This was tied to social status, as a general would reward men for the heads they captured, often using bags called kubibukuro to carry them.
Verification of Enemy Kills: To prevent fraud in head collection, specific measures were instituted. Samurai might require proof by bringing back identifiable parts such as a neck plate or commanders' weapons.
Public Display of Heads: After a battle, samurai would display the heads as trophies and engage in cries of victory to boast their accomplishments.
Oaths of Loyalty: Samurai took oaths that bound them in blood and promises to each other, enhancing their commitment on the battlefield.
Prayers and Badges of War: Samurai prayed to gods of war before battles and adorned themselves in symbolic costumes to demonstrate their readiness and intentions for battle.
Language Matters: Language used on the battlefield was laden with checks and balances. Phrases had specific meanings; using them incorrectly could reflect poorly on a samurai's honor.
Blood Baptism for New Swords: It was expected that any new sword gifted during a campaign must have tasted blood, creating a dilemma for leaders who were supposed to avoid direct combat.
Extreme Measures in Head Collection: In situations where carrying severed heads became unwieldy, samurai could cut off noses instead, a far easier trophy that still served to announce victories.
Defending Against Head Loss: In dire situations where they were on the losing side, samurai would protect their allies’ bodies by ensuring that heads didn’t fall into enemy hands, sometimes resorting to behead their comrades themselves.
Unfair Tactics in Combat: Contrary to the romanticized view of samurai honor, battles were often fought with cunning and ambush strategies, rather than glorified one-on-one fights. The video concludes by referencing The Book of Samurai, which offers further insights into this historical complexity. For those keen to explore more about samurai tactics and ethos, this video likely opens up a lot of interesting discussions. What do you think about the cultural practices of samurai warfare? Did any of these facts surprise you? Share your thoughts or experiences related to this topic!