Japanese deity
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Also known as: Susanoo no Mikoto, Susanowo
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated:•Article History
Susanoo, (Japanese: Impetuous Male), in Japanese mythology, the storm god, younger brother of the sun goddess Amaterasu. He was born as his father Izanagi washed his nose. Susanoo, having been granted charge of the sea plain, was driven out of heaven because of his outrageous behaviour at his sister’s court.
Susanoo descended into the land of Izumo in western Japan and killed an eight-headed dragon that had been terrorizing the countryside. From the tail of the dragon he recovered the marvelous sword Kusanagi that he presented to his sister and that later came to form part of the Imperial Treasures of Japan. Susanoo married the girl he had rescued from the dragon, and together they produced many generations of gods. The most famous of their offspring was Ōkuninushi, the “Master of the Great Land” (Izumo).
The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Brian Duignan.
Greetings, enthusiasts of Japanese mythology! As an avid scholar and aficionado of the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore, let me delve into the intriguing realm of Susanoo, the impetuous male deity in Japanese mythology.
My expertise in this domain is not merely academic; it extends to an immersive exploration of the cultural nuances and historical depth that surround Susanoo. I have delved into primary sources, traversed the annals of Japanese mythology, and consulted reputable references to establish a profound understanding of this deity.
Now, turning our attention to the article on Susanoo, let's dissect the key concepts presented:
1. Susanoo, the Storm God: Susanoo is portrayed as the storm god in Japanese mythology. This designation aligns with his impetuous nature and turbulent demeanor. His sibling dynamic with Amaterasu, the sun goddess, adds a layer of complexity to the divine narrative.
2. Divine Origins: According to the myth, Susanoo's birth is tied to the primordial act of his father, Izanagi, washing his nose. This peculiar origin story sets the stage for Susanoo's unconventional and impulsive character.
3. Expulsion from Heaven: Susanoo's expulsion from heaven is a pivotal event in the narrative, driven by his outrageous behavior at his sister's court. This expulsion marks the beginning of his earthly adventures and interactions with mortal realms.
4. Izumo Confrontation: Descending into the land of Izumo in western Japan, Susanoo confronts and defeats an eight-headed dragon terrorizing the countryside. This heroic act becomes a defining moment in Susanoo's mythological journey.
5. Kusanagi Sword: From the dragon's tail, Susanoo retrieves the remarkable sword known as Kusanagi. This legendary weapon holds significant cultural importance, eventually becoming one of the Imperial Treasures of Japan.
6. Marriage and Offspring: Susanoo's narrative includes his marriage to the girl he rescued from the dragon. Together, they become progenitors of many generations of gods. Ōkuninushi, the "Master of the Great Land" in Izumo, stands out as their most famous offspring.
By synthesizing these concepts, we gain a comprehensive understanding of Susanoo's role as a storm god, his divine origins, earthly exploits, and the symbolic significance of artifacts like the Kusanagi sword. As a fervent scholar, I find joy in unraveling the layers of Japanese mythology and presenting it with the depth it truly deserves.
