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Kusanagi
is a legendary Japanese sword and one of three Imperial Regalia of Japan. It was originally called , but its name was later changed to the more popular ("Grass-Cutting Sword"). In folklore, the sword represents the virtue of valor. Legends The history of the extends into legend. According to , the god Susanoo encountered a grieving family of ("gods of the land") headed by in Izumo Province. When Susanoo inquired of Ashinazuchi, he told him that his family was being terrorized by the fearsome Yamata no Orochi, an eight-headed serpent of Koshi, who had consumed seven of the family's eight daughters, and that the creature was coming for his final daughter, . Susanoo investigated the creature, and after an abortive encounter he returned with a plan to defeat it. In return, he asked for Kushinada-hime's hand in marriage, which was agreed. Transforming her temporarily into a comb (one interpreter reads this section as "using a comb he turns into asquerades asKushinada-him ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Yamata No Orochi
Yamata no Orochi (ヤマタノオロチ, also written as 八岐大蛇, 八俣遠呂智 or 八俣遠呂知) is a legendary eight-headed and eight-tailed serpent that appears in Japanese mythology. Both the ''Kojiki'' and ''Nihon Shoki'' record the serpent as being slain by the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Susanoo, in order to rescue the goddess Kushinadahime, Kushinada-hime. It is also noted that the Kusanagi no Tsurugi, Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of the Imperial Regalia of Japan, Three Sacred Treasures, was found within the serpent's tail. In local tradition, Yamata no Orochi was believed to have survived their encounter with Susanoo and fled to Mount Ibuki, where they were venerated as Ibuki Daimyōjin (伊吹大明神). Additionally, figures such as Emperor Antoku and the Longnü, Nāga Maiden have been identified as incarnations of Yamata no Orochi. Name The name ''Yamata no Orochi'' (八俣遠呂智 in the ''Kojiki'', 八岐大蛇 in the ''Nihon Shoki'') is variously translated as ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Atsuta Shrine
is a Shinto shrine, home to the sacred sword '' Kusanagi no Tsurugi'', one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan—traditionally believed to have been established during the reign of Emperor Keikō (reigned 71–130 CE). It is located in Atsuta-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture in Japan. The shrine is familiarly known as ''Atsuta-Sama'' (Venerable Atsuta) or simply as ''Miya'' (the Shrine). Since ancient times, it has been especially revered, ranking with the Ise Shrine.Atsuta-jingū org: History [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Yamato Takeru
, originally , was a Japanese folk hero and semi-legendary prince of the imperial dynasty, son of Emperor Keikō, who is traditionally counted as the 12th Emperor of Japan. The kanji spelling of his name varies: it appears in the ''Nihon Shoki'' as 日本武尊 and in the ''Kojiki'' as 倭建命. The story of his life and death are told principally in the Japanese chronicles in ''Kojiki'' (712) and ''Nihon Shoki'' (720), but also mentioned in ''Kogo Shūi'' (807) and some histories like the (721). One of his sons became Emperor Chūai, the 14th Emperor of Japan. His history is uncertain but based on the chronicles his life can be calculated. He was born circa 72 and died in 114. Details are different between the two books, and the version in ''Kojiki'' is assumed to be loyal to the older form of this legend. Legendary narrative Prince Takeru slew his elder brother . His father, Emperor Keikō, feared his brutal temperament. To keep him at a distance, the emperor sent his s ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Amaterasu
, often called Amaterasu () for short, also known as and , is the goddess of the sun in Japanese mythology. Often considered the chief deity (''kami'') of the Shinto pantheon, she is also portrayed in Japan's earliest literary texts, the () and the (720 CE), as the ruler (or one of the rulers) of the heavenly realm Takamagahara and as the mythical ancestress of the Imperial House of Japan via her grandson Ninigi. Along with two of her siblings (the moon deity Tsukuyomi and the impetuous storm-god Susanoo) she ranks as one of the "Three Precious Children" (, ), the three most important offspring of the creator god Izanagi. Amaterasu's chief place of worship, the Grand Shrine of Ise in Ise, Mie Prefecture, is one of Shinto's holiest sites and a major pilgrimage center and tourist spot. As with other Shinto ''kami'', she is also enshrined in a number of Shinto shrines throughout Japan. Name The goddess is referred to as ''Amaterasu Ōmikami'' ( / ; historical orthogr ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Imperial Regalia Of Japan
The are the imperial regalia of Japan and consist of the sword , the mirror , and the jewel . They represent the three primary virtues: valour (the sword), wisdom (the mirror), and benevolence (the jewel).ミニ講話 宮司のいい話 (in Japanese). The actual historical status of these legendary treasures is unknown as they are intentionally kept from public view to symbolize authority. Representations of the regalia are used in masakaki in many rituals. [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Ame-no-Fuyukinu
Ame-no-Fuyukinu is the son of Omizunu and , the husband of Philippi, Donald L. (2015). ''Kojiki''. Princeton University Press. p. 92.Chamberlain (1882)Section XX.—The August Ancestors of the Deity-Master-Of-The-Great Land./ref> and the father of . Lineage and Descendants The Kojiki extensively documents his genealogy. It says Amenofuyukinu married . They had a child named Ōkuninushi (Ōnamuchi). The Nihon Shoki adds more to the story. It says Susanoo gave him a task. He had to deliver the sword Kusanagi no tsurugi. This sword was to go to the Plain of High Heaven to be delivered to Amaterasu Connection to Hinomisaki Shrine Amenofuyukinu is worshipped at Hinomisaki Shrine. Legends say he founded this shrine. The Ono family works as priests there. They claim to be his descendants. The shrine has a ritual. It is called the "Shinken hōten shinji." This means "sword offering ritual." The ritual is based on the Kusanagi sword myth. It remembers the offering of this sword. T ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Emperor Keikō
, also known as and , was the 12th legendary Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Both the ''Kojiki'', and the ''Nihon Shoki'' (collectively known as the ''Kiki'') record events that took place during Keikō's alleged lifetime. Keikō was recorded as being an exceptionally tall emperor who had a very large family. During his reign he sought to expand territorial control through conquest of local tribes. He had a very important son named "Prince Ōsu" ( Yamato Takeru), who was in possession of the Kusanagi when he died. This treasure was later moved to Atsuta Shrine, and is now a part of the Imperial Regalia of Japan. There is a possibility that Keikō actually lived or reigned in the 4th century AD rather than the 1st, but more information is needed to confirm this view. Keikō's reign is conventionally considered to have been from 71 to 130 AD. During his alleged lifetime, he fathered at least 80 children with two chief wives (empress) and nine ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Hinomisaki Shrine
Hinomisaki Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Izumo, Shimane a few miles away from Izumo-taisha dedicated to Amaterasu and Susanoo-no-Mikoto. It is a branch shrine of Izumo Taisha, and has a document identifying Susanoo with Matarajin. Amago Tsunehisa backed the shrine to undermine the influence of Izumo-taisha. Its island has a notable lighthouse which is the tallest one in Asia. Priests of the Shrine were instrumental in spreading the idea that Izumo Province was the gate to the underworld, and a source of power as a result where all things originated. Its origin story mentions sea snakes guiding the gods to Izumo. Sea snakes are considered the messengers of Izumo Taisha. Worship of Ame no Fuyukinu Ame-no-Fuyukinu is also worshipped at Hinomisaki Shrine. Legends say he founded this shrine. The Ono family works as priests there. They claim to be his descendants. The shrine has a ritual. It is called the "Shinken hōten shinji." This means "sword offering ritual." The ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Susanoo
__FORCETOC__ Susanoo (, ; historical orthography: , ), often referred to by the honorific title Susanoo-no-Mikoto (), is a in Japanese mythology. The younger brother of Amaterasu, goddess of the sun and mythical ancestress of the Japanese imperial line, he is a multifaceted deity with contradictory characteristics (both good and bad), being portrayed in various stories either as a wild, impetuous god associated with the sea and storms, as a heroic figure who killed a monstrous serpent, or as a local deity linked with the harvest and agriculture. Syncretic beliefs of the Gion cult that arose after the introduction of Buddhism to Japan also saw Susanoo becoming conflated with deities of pestilence and disease. Susanoo, alongside Amaterasu and the earthly Ōkuninushi (also Ōnamuchi) – depicted as either Susanoo's son or scion depending on the source – is one of the central deities of the imperial Japanese mythological cycle recorded in the ( CE) and the (720 CE). One ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Yata No Kagami
is a sacred bronze mirror that is part of the Imperial Regalia of Japan. Name and significance The represents "wisdom" or "honesty," depending on the source. Its name literally means "The Eight Mirror," a reference to its size. Mirrors in ancient Japan represented truth because they merely reflected what was shown, and were objects of mystique and reverence (being uncommon items). According to Shinsuke Takenaka at the Institute of Moralogy, is considered the most precious of the three sacred treasures. History In the year 1040 ( 1, 9th month), the compartment which contained the Sacred Mirror was burned in a fire. The mirror was not damaged and managed to survive the incident. It is considered to be housed today in Ise Grand Shrine, in Mie Prefecture, Japan, although a lack of public access makes this difficult to verify. Concurrently, a replica is enshrined in Three Palace Sanctuaries of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Mythology In Shinto, the mirror was forged by t ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Kojiki
The , also sometimes read as or , is an early Japanese chronicle of myths, legends, hymns, genealogies, oral traditions, and semi-historical accounts down to 641 concerning the origin of the Japanese archipelago, the , and the Japanese imperial line. It is claimed in its preface to have been composed by Ō no Yasumaro at the request of Empress Genmei in the early 8th century (711–712), and thus is usually considered to be the oldest extant literary work in Japan. The myths contained in the as well as the are part of the inspiration behind many practices and unified "Shinto orthodoxy". Later, they were incorporated into Shinto practices such as the purification ritual. Composition It is believed that the compilation of various genealogical and anecdotal histories of the imperial (Yamato) court and prominent clans began during the reigns of Emperors Keitai and Kinmei in the 6th century, with the first concerted effort at historical compilation of which we have record ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Yamatohime-no-mikoto
is a Japanese figure who is said to have established Ise Shrine, where the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu Omikami is enshrined. Yamatohime-no-mikoto is recorded as being the daughter of Emperor Suinin, Japan's 11th Emperor. (note that 'Yamatohime' is this figure's name; -no-mikoto is an honorific applied to the names of nobles or gods.) Traditional historical view Legend says that about 2,000 years ago, Emperor Suinin ordered his daughter, Princess Yamatohime-no-mikoto, to set out and find a suitable permanent location from which to hold ceremonies for Amaterasu Ōmikami. Prior to this, Amaterasu Ōmikami had been worshiped within the Imperial Palace at Yamato, before a temporary location was created in the eastern Nara Basin. Yamatohime-no-mikoto is said to have set out from Mt. Miwa and wandered for 20 years through the regions of Ōmi and Mino in search of a suitable location. The shrines she and her sister brought Amaterasu through until Ise are called When she arrived at I ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
