Amaterasu Omikami: The Sun Goddess

Amaterasu Omikami, often simply referred to as Amaterasu, stands as the central deity in Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan. She is the goddess of the sun, the universe, and is revered as the ancestress of the Imperial House of Japan. Her name translates to “shining in heaven,” a fitting descriptor for her radiant nature and supreme position within the Japanese pantheon.

Amaterasu’s origin story is vividly portrayed in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), the earliest written records of Japanese mythology. She is born from the left eye of Izanagi, the creator god, during a purification ritual after his journey to the underworld. Her brothers are Tsukuyomi, the moon god (born from his right eye), and Susanoo, the storm god (born from his nose). While Tsukuyomi plays a relatively minor role in the myths, the relationship between Amaterasu and Susanoo is crucial and marked by conflict.

Susanoo’s unruly behavior and destructive actions cause great distress to Amaterasu. In one particularly famous episode, Susanoo wreaks havoc upon Amaterasu’s rice fields and sacred weaving hall, culminating in the death of one of her attendants. Deeply saddened and enraged by her brother’s actions, Amaterasu retreats into the Ama-no-Iwato, a heavenly rock cave. Her absence plunges the world into darkness and chaos, crops wither, and evil spirits roam freely. The other gods become desperate to lure her out.

The gods devise a clever plan. They hold a raucous party outside the cave, including a lively dance by the goddess Ame-no-Uzume, whose performance causes such laughter and commotion that Amaterasu becomes curious. Peeking out of the cave to see what all the excitement is about, she is captivated by her own reflection in a mirror crafted by the god Ishikoridome. The other gods seize this opportunity to pull her out of the cave, and the world is once again bathed in sunlight.

This episode highlights Amaterasu’s vital role in maintaining order and prosperity. Her withdrawal represents a disruption of the natural order, emphasizing the importance of the sun for life and well-being. The mirror, one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, symbolizes wisdom and self-knowledge and is intimately connected to Amaterasu’s power. Susanoo, eventually banished for his misdeeds, later redeems himself by slaying a monstrous serpent and offering the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, a legendary sword, to Amaterasu, further solidifying her status as the supreme deity.

Worship of Amaterasu is central to Shinto practice, and she is enshrined in the Ise Grand Shrine, the most sacred Shinto shrine in Japan. Her legacy extends beyond religious practice, influencing Japanese art, literature, and cultural identity. Amaterasu remains a potent symbol of hope, light, and the enduring power of the divine in Japanese society.