Matsukaze, which means "wind in the pines", was the name of the legendary horse of Maeda Keijia, a Japanese samurai of the Sengoku Period through early Edo Period.
Appearance
Matsukaze was said to be monstrous in size and have immense strength. Because of that, the horse was able to carry Toshimasu's large frame.
Stories
According to the legend, Matsukaze was born through selective breeding of only the finest horses available. But unlike other horses, he refused to let anyone ride him and eventually ran away. Nobody knew how, but one man, Maeda Keiji, managed to tame the wild horse. Some people believed that it was because of Keiji's wild personality. Since then, the two were never seen apart. After its master's death, it is said that Matsukaze ran off and was never seen again.
Art/Fiction
- The demon horse Entei from Season 7 of the Inuyasha anime may be based paritally on this horse since it chooses only one rider which it allows to ride it and it has great supernatural strength.