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- Amaterasu Ōmikami
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Amaterasu, (Japanese: “Great Divinity Illuminating Heaven”), the celestial sun goddess from whom the Japanese imperial family claims descent, and an important Shintō deity. She was born from the left eye of her father, Izanagi, who bestowed upon her a necklace of jewels and placed her in charge of Takamagahara (“High Celestial Plain”), the abode of all the kami. One of her brothers, the storm god Susanoo, was sent to rule the sea plain. Before going, Susanoo went to take leave of his sister. As an act of good faith, they produced children together, she by chewing and spitting out pieces of the sword he gave her, and he by doing the same with her jewels. Susanoo then began to behave very rudely—he broke down the divisions in the rice fields, defiled his sister’s dwelling place, and finally threw a flayed horse into her weaving hall. Indignant, Amaterasu withdrew in protest into a cave, and darkness fell upon the world.
The other 800 myriads of gods conferred on how to lure the sun goddess out. They collected co*cks, whose crowing precedes the dawn, and hung a mirror and jewels on a sakaki tree in front of the cave. The goddess Amenouzume (q.v.) began a dance on an upturned tub, partially disrobing herself, which so delighted the assembled gods that they roared with laughter. Amaterasu became curious how the gods could make merry while the world was plunged into darkness and was told that outside the cave there was a deity more illustrious than she. She peeped out, saw her reflection in the mirror, heard the co*cks crow, and was thus drawn out from the cave. The kami then quickly threw a shimenawa, or sacred rope of rice straw, before the entrance to prevent her return to hiding.
Amaterasu’s chief place of worship is the Grand Shrine of Ise, the foremost Shintō shrine in Japan. She is manifested there in a mirror that is one of the three Imperial Treasures of Japan (the other two being a jeweled necklace and a sword). The genders of Amaterasu and her brother the moon god Tsukiyomi no Mikato are remarkable exceptions in worldwide mythology of the sun and the moon. See also Ukemochi no Kami.
Greetings, enthusiasts of history and mythology. Allow me to introduce myself as an expert in Japanese mythology and history, deeply immersed in the rich tapestry of Shintō beliefs and celestial narratives. My knowledge is not merely academic but stems from a passion for understanding the intricate details and cultural significance embedded in the stories of deities like Amaterasu Ōmikami.
Now, let's delve into the fascinating realm of Amaterasu, the celestial sun goddess, a central figure in Japanese mythology. The article provides a glimpse into the narrative of Amaterasu, highlighting her birth from the left eye of Izanagi and her pivotal role as the progenitor from whom the Japanese imperial family claims descent.
One key aspect of the myth involves Amaterasu's withdrawal into a cave in protest against the rude behavior of her brother, the storm god Susanoo. This withdrawal plunges the world into darkness, prompting the other gods to devise a plan to lure her out. This intricate plot involves the use of co*cks, a mirror, and jewels on a sakaki tree, showcasing the mythological creativity in the narrative.
The goddess Amenouzume plays a crucial role in the strategy to coax Amaterasu out of hiding. Her provocative dance, partially disrobing herself, amuses the gods and ultimately draws Amaterasu's curiosity. The use of a mirror, the crowing of co*cks, and the joyous dance collectively contribute to Amaterasu emerging from the cave, dispelling the darkness that had befallen the world.
Amaterasu's significance is further emphasized by her chief place of worship at the Grand Shrine of Ise, the foremost Shintō shrine in Japan. The shrine houses a mirror, one of the three Imperial Treasures of Japan, symbolizing Amaterasu's presence and importance in the imperial lineage. The other two treasures consist of a jeweled necklace and a sword, collectively representing the sacred trinity of the imperial regalia.
Noteworthy is the gender dynamic between Amaterasu and her brother, the moon god Tsukiyomi no Mikato. This aspect deviates from the conventional worldwide mythology of the sun and the moon, adding a unique touch to the Japanese celestial narrative.
In conclusion, the myth of Amaterasu Ōmikami is a captivating saga filled with familial drama, divine interventions, and a carefully orchestrated plan to bring light back to the world. It stands as a testament to the intricate mythology woven into the cultural fabric of Japan, and Amaterasu remains a revered deity, enshrined in the hearts and rituals of those who continue to uphold the Shintō traditions.
