Shōgun episode 5 gives us a glimpse of the reality of living in Japan as they encounter devastating earthquakes in the country. After an earthquake, what happened to Toranaga's sword in Shōgun? Here's what we know.
What Happened Before the Earthquake?
Before the earthquake happened, John Blackthorne (played by Cosmo Jarvis) was begging Lord Yoshii Toranaga (played by Hiroyuki Sanada) to allow him to leave Japan.
Blackthorne explains that he was disappointed about the death of his pheasant and favorite employee, an old gardener by the name of Uejiro (played by Junichi Tajiri).
When Toranaga learns this, he tells Blackthorne: "I can't be bothered with this nonsense."
Out of nowhere, a rumble is heard. As Toranaga stood to inspect it, an earthquake and a landslide struck the village. Since Toranaga is standing before a cliff, he slides down to the ground and gets covered by the rubble.
Without a second thought, Blackthorne jumps to his feet and hurries to save Toranaga.
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What Happened to Toranaga's Swords in Shōgun?
As Toranaga tries to make do with what just happened, Lady Mariko (played by Anna Sawai) scrambles to unearth Toranaga's swords.
So what happened to Toranaga's swords in Shōgun? After the landslide, Toranaga loses them.
Realizing this, Blackthorne hands him his swords. Toranaga repays his kindness with a look of gratitude in his eyes.
A few seconds later, Toranaga's son, Yoshii Nagakado (played by Yuki Kura), alerts them to the destruction headed toward the village of Ajiro.
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Did the Earthquake Really Happen?
As avid fans of the TV series, we can't help but wonder if the earthquake really happened. Although the earthquake was changed in the series compared to the book, the earthquake did happen in history.
The novel loosely adapted the earthquake that happened in Keich in 1605. The earthquake had an estimated magnitude of 7.9, which also triggered a tsunami in its aftermath.
It led to the deaths of thousands from the regions of Nankai and Tōkai.
The devastating earthquake proves Lady Mariko's statement in the previous episode: "Death is part of our air and sea and earth."
The newly forged gratitude that Toranaga felt for Blackthorne's heroism, changes things for the Lord of Kanto. In the FX series, Toranaga repays Blackthorne's bravery by making him into Hatamoto.
This is a slight deviation from the novel, however, since Toranaga turned Blackthorne into Hatamoto before the earthquake happened.
Still, the events of the earthquake in episode 5 allow Blackthorne to see how fleeting life is. It also teaches him why the Japanese are careful with their words and actions.
Why do you think Blackthorne decided to give his swords to Toranaga after the earthquake? Share your thoughts with fellow fans in the comments.
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