AMATERASU
Shinto Sun Goddess 🌞
Central Shinto Sun Goddess
She was born from a tear in Izanagi’s left eye, while Tsukiyomi, the Moon God, was born from his right.
She had to take refuge in a cave following a bit of domestic violence caused by Susano-wo. Her disappearance caused a terrible stoppage of sunlight — far worse than any eclipse dragon eating the sun.
She had to be lured outside her barricaded cave with much tact and diplomacy. This involved tempting her out with a jeweled necklace and a glittery mirror to check out her reflection.
What Goddess can resist a little flattery? Now she is back in the sky and loves to be noticed. At the seashore near the famouse shrine at Futami-At-Ise, she likes to rise between two rocks, one large, one small. These are known as the ‘Wedded Couple Rocks’. Shore-bound pilgrims gather to watch as she rises. And give her a polite round of applause.
Hopefully this kind of attention will stop her diving back into her cave again.
Amaterasu Facts and Figures
Name: Amaterasu
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names:
Gender: Female
Type: Goddess
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present
Role: 🌞
In charge of: the Sun
Area of expertise: Sun
Good/Evil Rating: NEUTRAL, may not care
Popularity index: 17106
Cite this article
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Article last revised on November 19, 2018 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders
References: Coming soon.