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Discovering Amaterasu Oomikami: The Supreme Sun Goddess in Shinto Belief
Amaterasu Oomikami, also known as 'The Great Divinity Illuminating Heaven', reigns as the supreme Sun Goddess in Shinto religion, embodying not just the celestial luminary but the universe itself. Her origins lie with Izanami and Izanagi, creators of Japan, making her the progenitor of the imperial lineage. Legends recount her conflicts with her brother, Susano'o, whose reckless actions plunged the world into darkness, until divine strategy coaxed her back, restoring light and order.
Introducing Susanoo no Mikoto: The Storm God's Tale
Susanoo, known as Takehaya Susanoo-no-Mikoto, reigns as the deity of the sea and storms in Shinto mythology, ruling over Neno-Katasu-Kuni (modern-day Yasugi, Shimane Prefecture). Born from Izanagi's nose during a purification ritual, Susanoo is celebrated for his strength and valor, alongside his siblings Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi. His most famed tale involves his exile from heaven after infuriating Amaterasu, wandering the earthly realms until he encounters and defeats the eight-headed serpent, Yamata no Orochi, rescuing Kushinadahime and discovering the sacred sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi, which he presents to Amaterasu as a reconciliatory gesture.
Tsukuyomi no Mikoto, the Moon God
Tsukuyomi, or the Moon God, is a pivotal deity in Japanese mythology and Shinto religion, born as the second son to Izanami and Izanagi and later becoming the consort of the sun goddess, Amaterasu. Emerging from Izanagi's right eye during a purification ritual, Tsukuyomi ascended to the heavens, dwelling with his sister Amaterasu. A notorious tale recounts Tsukuyomi's horror and outrage at the food-generating deity Ukemochi, whom he slays for her unconventional banquet preparation, leading to an eternal rift between him and Amaterasu, thus separating night from day.
The Sea God, Ryujin
Ryujin, also known as Ōwatatsumi, rules the seas in Japanese mythology. This deity, often depicted as a majestic dragon symbolizing the ocean's might, can transform into a human. Ryujin's palace, Ryūgū-jō, is an underwater coral marvel, from where he manipulates tides with the magical jewels Kanju and Manju. Turtles, fish, and jellyfish serve him loyally. Father to the beautiful goddess Otohime and grandfather to Japan's first emperor, Jimmu, Ryujin is a revered ancestor of Japanese emperors. His tale includes the 'Jellyfish without Bones' story, where a jellyfish fails in its mission to bring back a monkey's liver, leading to Ryujin's wrath and the jellyfish's boneless fate.
Izanami and Izanagi: The Divine Pair
Izanami and her brother Izanagi, among the primordial Kamiyonanayo deities, were tasked with creating the first lands. Given the heavenly spear Ame no Nobuko, Izanagi stirred the oceans to form islands and together they descended via the Ame no Ukihashi bridge to Ashiharanokuni. Their union blessed them with numerous deities, yet tragedy struck when Izanami perished giving birth to the fire god Kagutsuchi, leading Izanagi to slay their offspring in grief. Desperate to reunite with Izanami, Izanagi ventured into the underworld, only to discover her decayed form, sparking a harrowing escape from the clutches of death itself, culminating in a vow of creating and ending lives in defiance.
