Summary
The legend of the "Tako Shrine" is a story passed down in the land of Gunma. In the early eighth century, a young man named "Hitsuji" was appointed by the imperial court as the district chief of Tako County. He was known as "Hitsuji Dayu" and served the court alongside his loyal horse, "Kokushin."
One day, while resting on his way to the court, Kokushin secretly gazed at Hitsuji, curious to see a form he did not typically reveal. "What is this?" Hitsuji found the wings growing from his armpit and mischievously pulled them out. "Those wings were my guardian spirit..." Kokushin lamented.
After that, the two of them became unable to run fast, and Hitsuji could no longer serve the court frequently. Rumors began to spread that an army from the court was headed towards Tako. "They say Hitsuji Dayu is plotting a rebellion!" As the soldiers discussed, Hitsuji sensed the worsening situation.
He spoke to the commander of the imperial army, saying, "I value loyalty and fidelity. I have no intention of rebellion." The commander replied, "However, it is the emperor's command to eliminate Hitsuji Dayu."
The day of battle arrived, and Hitsuji made up his mind. "I will fight you with all my might. Please let them know that I have done nothing wrong without taking any oaths."
The battle was fiercely intense, and Hitsuji's soldiers fell one after another. "Women and children, escape. There is no hope of victory anymore," he commanded. "I should go too," Kokushin said.
Only Hitsuji and Kokushin remained. He said, "It seems it is time for us to depart." Then, they underwent a remarkable transformation and soared into the sky as two hawks.
"On that afternoon, many people saw the two hawks flying towards the mountains." Later, the Tako Shrine was established, and even now, people worship him as "Hitsuji-sama."
