Muramasa

Muramasa is a sword that appears in Symphony of the Night.

=Background= Muramasa in mythology is a katana made by the swordsmith Muramasa Sengo during the Muromachi period in Japan. There are three legends that surround this mystical sword. All three legends speak of the sword being demonic in nature, much in contrast to a similar sword, aptly named Masamune.

The first legend tells of the two swords placed in a river to test which is stronger. While Lotus petals that came in contact with the Muramasa were sliced cleanly, the leaves approaching the Masamune instead slide harmlessly by. This was meant to show the differences in the swords, with the Masamune not destroying when it is not necessary.

The second legend states that Muramasa must draw blood before it can return to it's scabbard, forcing the user to either injure themselves, or if it gets to the point where a minor injury isn't enough, commit suicide. As such, it is considered demonic.

The third legend states that the original creator of the sword, Muramasa Sengo, was an excellent swordsmith with a twisted, demented mind. That mind's willpower was supposedly passed into the Muramasa blades he created, causing the users to be forced to kill, whether it be themselves or other people.

Symphony of the Night
The sword appears in Symphony of the Night with the unique ability to absorb blood (essentially casting Dark Metamorphosis on Alucard while equipped). Its true strength, however, is in the fact that it slowly gains power every time it absorbs blood. With patience, it can easily become the most powerful sword in the game. Double the HP can be received if the Bloodstone is also equipped.

Order of Shadows
The Muramasa is found on the upper level of the Castle Walls in section of the Castle Grounds area. It is in a candle on a perch that initially cannot be reached, but that can be reached by traveling far to the right, heading up, and then heading back left. It can also be reached by jumping off from the top of the Bat's Belfry after defeating the Twin Bats. The blade is swung below the belt. It is more powerful than the Platinum Blade (the other "fast" weapon), but consumes more hearts and has a shorter range.