 Swords were used not only for weapons, but also for different purposes such as ceremony. It is said that Baekje, one of three countries presented the sword called 'Chiljido' to Japan during three country era.
Let's learn about it here.
Chiljido is a kind of metal sword made in Baekje. It has totally seven blades; one stem blade and three branch blades on each side of the stem. It was mentioned in a Japanese literature and the original item is preserved in Isonoka temple located at Nara province in Japan. Its whole body is engraved with 60 letters with the think golden lines on the edges. Because some parts of the letters are illegible, there are different interpretations about them. However, in regard to the production time, there is consensus that it was made in 369. The writing styles are very unique. The contents of the writing are that this is made of heavy metal in 369. It is so good as to defeat enemies that it will be distributed to old scholars in the affiliated countries. On the back -side, it says that this is a divine sword produced to present to a Japanese King and raise the authority of the King of Baekje. It should be handed down to our posterity.
The fact the Baekje King presented it to a Japanese King implies that the Baekje King was in higher authority than the Japanese King according to the customs. Also, Bakje tried to establish her dominant relation over and expand the power to Japan, while recognizing the title of the Japanese King.
| Let's now turn to what it was used for.
There is a high possibility that it was originally a divine ceremony accessory, judging from its unique patterns and designs, which figured the Shamanism objects of worship such as 'Shidan' tree mentioned in the Dankoon creation myth. The designs of having branch blades may symbolize the increasing power and authority of King.
It is a good material to see how advanced the iron making technology was around the 4th century of Baekje It is also a product of the pride and authority of strong Baekje which established her own view of the world, being independent of China.
More efforts and research should follow to interprete the writing rightly, so the creativity and thoughts of Baekje people can be fully appreciated.
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