The sun goddess, Amaterasu, is Japanese history’s most popular deity. She was the first daughter of the sky god and earth goddess Izanami and her husband, Output-kuni-no-mikoto. As such, she is considered to be the ancestress of all Japanese people and also believed to govern all that comes to pass on earth as well as in the sky.
Amaterasu in Japanese mythology, is regarded as a stern yet just deity who embodies benevolent qualities such as watching over her people with compassion for their struggles and protecting them from harm, especially from any demonic or dangerous deity that might threat them in her absence. And while she rules over everything else on Earth during daylight hours, at night a myriad of different demons take control over.
- The History of Japan’s Sun Goddess (Amaterasu)
- Amaterasu – Compassionate, Protective Yet Stern
- Amaterasu and Her Accession to the Throne of Heaven
- Amaterasu Takes a Tentative Step Forward
- The End of Japan’s Age of Goddesses?
- The Amaterasu Shrine
1. The History of Japan’s Sun Goddess (Amaterasu)
The sun goddess, Amaterasu, is Japanese history’s most popular deity. She was the first daughter of the sky god and earth goddess Izanami and her husband, Output-kuni-no-mikoto. As such, she is considered to be the ancestress of all Japanese people and also believed to govern all that comes to pass on earth as well as in the sky.
Amaterasu is regarded as a stern yet just deity who embodies benevolent qualities such as watching over her people with compassion for their struggles and protecting them from harm, especially from any demonic or dangerous deity that might threat them in her absence. And while she rules over everything else on Earth during daylight hours, at night a myriad of different demons take control over.
2. Amaterasu – Compassionate, Protective Yet Stern
An intelligent and well-mannered person is Amaterasu, but she also has her fierce side. The goddess is protective of the Earth and Japanese people, and will defend them from dangers beyond the sea, from demons in the sky that would make them sick or bad weather threatening crops.
However, there are more intense events that frighten her as well. Many times, Amaterasu would take an absence from ruling the people of Japan when her actions caused devastating events to occur.
For example, when Yamata no Orochi, a giant dragon with eight heads and eight tails appeared in front of her, she immediately gave permission for her brother Susano-o to slay it. Before it was slain – Yamata no Orochi devoured Susano-o’s shoulder-blade.
3. Amaterasu and Her Accession to the Throne of Heaven
Once, Amaterasu had left her post on Earth to visit her mother, the sky goddess Izanami in the land of the dead in Tsukigase. There, she saw that people were suffering and dying and was upset by this. As soon as she returned to earth it was nighttime and Amaterasu could no longer see her people because their land had been enveloped by darkness. This is what caused the battle between Yamata no Orochi and Susano-o.
In order to gain her permission, Susano-o had to slay a demon called Yamata no Orochi. This was a huge task and he struggled to do so while battling the dragon and its many heads and tails. Nevertheless, he managed to defeat the dragon and it lay defeated in his hands. This was just enough for Amaterasu to grant her brother permission to rule over those who were still alive that night.
Her accession to the throne of heaven was tough for her because Izanami, her mother, favored her daughter Kagu-tsuchi. But Amaterasu won the throne and became the supreme deity of Japan.
4. Amaterasu Takes a Tentative Step Forward
Since she is all-powerful and commands respect, it is very difficult to anger her – but if you do there will be dire consequences. She is considered stern and takes her responsibilities seriously as a result of this. Nevertheless, she gets lonely and wants to be loved. This is why she serves as a mediator between her people and the demons of the night.
She is also associated with Uke Mochi, a Shinto god of food and drink as well as the goddess Shoko-tan or Oga-no-mitama no kami (Otomozukenosukune’s spirit). These deities are regarded as beautiful and elegant goddesses who reign over artistic endeavors.
Amaterasu is also associated with Inari, the god of rice, sake and fertility. The two are seen as being deeply connected to the cycle of life. Inari is often seen as female and has very similar energy to Amaterasu in that she is wise and elegant like Amaterasu but also passionate and loving just like a lover to whom she can give herself completely. Just as the sun brings life to plants on Earth, Inari brings children into the world.
5. The End of Japan’s Age of Goddesses?
It has been said that Japan is currently in an age where it has lost the belief in divinities. Their banishment along with the other gods of reverence, Solaria, Shikinami and Ukanomitama represents a loss of faith from the people of Japan. The government has taken it upon itself to suppress these two powerful goddesses from ensuring their presence in daily lives should not be forgotten.
6. The Amaterasu Shrine
The shrine which houses the god’s holy relics in the city of Hitachi was established in 1876 and located in the Iwaya area of Nara. It is a beautiful shrine with two torii gates at either side of its main building. Inside there are two statues that represent Amaterasu herself and Susano-o who rescued her from Yamata no Orochi, as if they were lovers.
The fascinating story of Amaterasu is a testament to the importance of balance and moderation in leading one’s life. Her story is also a reminder that we all serve the same purpose: to protect and provide life for one another.
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