Eight Mirrors

The Eight Mirrors, also called the Mirror of Eight and identified in use as Yata no Kagami, are one of the three divine artifacts kept in Abe no Seimei's shrine. Their power reflects hostile supernatural effects, including divine power, rather than merely producing an ordinary optical image.

History

Shrine inheritance

Seimei tells Theodore Miller that the mirrors can bounce back even a god's power and names them alongside the Heavenly Sword and Eight Jade Magatamas. After Theodore passes the shrine's Heaven, Earth, and Person test, the three artifacts awaken, fly to him, and assimilate with his body. (Chapters 358 and 360–361)

Theodore does not immediately display the mirrors' ability. He first uses the sword and magatamas while preparing for the Eastern campaign, keeping the reflective artifact in reserve until direct exposure to the heavenly demon's curse makes its particular defense necessary. (Chapters 361–373)

Reflection and return

When the heavenly demon spreads curses across the battlefield, Theodore calls the Eight Mirrors and invokes their banishing power. A sphere of light washes the curses away and reflects the attack back at its source, briefly stiffening the heavenly demon. The action consumes a large amount of power, and the account presents one decisive reversal rather than unlimited immunity to hostile magic. (Chapter 374)

After the victory, Theodore's foresight tells him that the mirrors are unnecessary for the coming fight with Wrath. He returns the artifact to Suzuka for safekeeping in Seimei's shrine, distinguishing its fate from the shattered magatamas and the Heavenly Sword he retains. (Chapter 379)

Abilities and limitations

• Divine reflection: The mirrors can send supernatural power back toward its source, including power described as belonging to a god. This is a targeted defensive function, not proof that every attack can always be reflected. (Chapters 358 and 374)
• Curse cleansing: Their emitted light washes away the heavenly demon's area-wide curses while reversing the hostile effect. (Chapter 374)
• High power cost: Theodore notes that returning divine power consumes a great deal of energy, limiting repeated use. (Chapter 374)
• Bodily assimilation: The artifact can remain within an accepted owner and be produced when needed, like the other parts of Seimei's inheritance. (Chapters 360–361 and 374)
• Preserved rather than consumed: Theodore sees no required role for the mirrors in the next battle and returns them intact instead of treating all three divine artifacts as expendable weapons. (Chapter 379)

Ownership and custody