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By lyuesword | 29 March 2021 | 0 Comments

The Most Remarkable Japanese Mythology and Legends Ⅰ

Japanese Mythology

The mythology of Japan has an epic history (including that of the Samurai!), beginning from 2,000 years ago. It embraces two major religious traditions, the Shinto and Buddhist traditions.

Japanese mythology contains quite a few numbers of gods, goddesses, and spirits. In fact, most of the myths are related to the creation of the world and the foundation of different islands in Japan. In the same way, it also tackles the distinct activities of humans; as well as some magical creatures, animals and deities.
There are stories in Japanese mythology that describe the characters and events in a very remarkable manner. Furthermore, some stories were even set in legendary locations, including the heavens and the underworld in particular.

Subsequently, different Japanese myths are arguably famous in the mainstream today.



What has been the basis of Japanese Mythology?

Kojiki, the Nihon Shoki, and some complementary books became the basis of Japan’s mythology.

The Kojiki is the oldest surviving source of Japanese mythology, legends, and history. It is recognized by many as the “Record of Ancient Matters”.

The purpose of the study of the Kojiki is to trace the imperial ancestry from the foundation of Japan.

On the other hand, the religious traditions Shinto and Buddhism have two different perspectives. The Shintōshū tells about the origins of Japanese deities. However, it is from the perspective of Buddhism. While the Hotsuma Tsutae holds different versions of the mythology that are essential.

One of the most notable features of Japanese myths is its explanation of the Imperial Family’s origin. It is utilized to designate godhood to the imperial lineage. Indeed, it has been a massive influence.

The narrative of Japan’s creation has two parts; the Kamiumi or the “birth of the deities” and the Kuniumi, the “birth of the land”.



Japanese Creation Myth


The first deities came into existence during the creation of the universe. And they are the Kotoamatsukami.

Following them and the formation of heaven and earth are the seven generations of Kami. They are known as Kamiyonanayo or the “Seven Generations of the Age of the Gods”.

The first two generations were the Hitorigami; they are individual deities. While the five generations after them came into being as male/female pairs of Kami, they were surprisingly brothers and sisters that were also married couples.
The Kamiyonanayo comprises 12 deities in total in this chronicle.

On the contrary, The Nihon Shoki mentioned the Kamiyonanayo group was first to appear before the Kotoamatsukami.

In their mythology, everything in nature has a Kami or a deity. However, there were those significant deities that surely have the most significant roles in Japanese mythology.



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