Message: "The Myth of Susanoo"

[Facts] The Myth of Susanoo

by Marusero

11/21/2019, 9:56 PM

In Japanese mythology and Shinto, Susanoo ("Impetuous Male") is the god of the sea and storms, as well as the brother of the sun goddess Amaterasu and the moon god Tsukuyomi. He was born when Izanagi washed his nose after returning from the underworld. Due to his tempestuous nature, Susanoo wreaked havoc in heaven, which therefore led to his banishment. He then descended into the province of Izumo, where he met an elderly couple and their daughter, Kushinada-hime. The couple told the storm god that they originally had eight daughters, seven of which were devoured by the Yamata-no-Orochi, the eight-headed dragon. After hearing about this, Susanoo decided that he would slay the beast, and promised that he would marry Kushinada-hime if he succeeded. The couple agreed, and together they prepared eight barrels of sake (Japanese alcoholic beverage). Once the Yamata-no-Orochi came, each of its heads drank a barrel of sake. When the serpent became drunk, Susanoo used his Totsuka-no-Tsurugi ("Sword of Ten Hand-Breadths") to slay the beast. Afterwards, he discovered the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi ("Grass-Cutting Sword"), which was hidden within its body, and gave it to his sister Amaterasu as a symbol of reconciliation.

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