Oxford Dictionary of World Mythology

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Amaterasu

Amaterasu East Asia
The Japanese sun goddess. Her myths are the most important of the indigenous faith, Shinto, ‘the way of the gods.’ This folk tradition is fundamentally not so much a religion as a set of ancient beliefs and observances which have remained comparatively unchanged over the past millennium, despite the importation of Confucianism and Buddhism. Amaterasu is the East Asian sister of Inanna, the Sumerian goddess of fertility and love.

The chief legend is that of the drawing forth of the radiant goddess from a heavenly rock-dwelling during a critical moment for the world. Her retreat had been brought about by the misbehaviour of her brother Susanowo, the storm god. Although his realm was the sea, the ‘swift, impetuous deity’ neglected his duties there and caused every sort of disturbance and tumult on land, previously ruled by Amaterasu with benevolence and wisdom. In spite of his sister's entreaties Susanowo destroyed rice-fields,...

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