Susanoo, a prominent deity in Japanese mythology, is the storm god and brother of the sun goddess Amaterasu and the moon god Tsukuyomi. He is a complex figure known for his tempestuous and rebellious nature, often causing trouble in the heavens. Despite his chaotic demeanor, Susanoo is also celebrated for heroic deeds, such as slaying the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi and discovering the sacred sword Kusanagi. His myths highlight themes of conflict and reconciliation, contributing significantly to Shinto religious narratives and Japanese cultural heritage.
Origins and Family
Susanoo is one of the central figures in the Kojiki (“Records of Ancient Matters”) and the Nihon Shoki (“Chronicles of Japan”), which are the primary sources of Japanese mythology. These texts were compiled in the early 8th century and serve as the cornerstone of Japan’s mytho-historical narrative.
Susanoo is the son of Izanagi and Izanami, the primordial deities responsible for creating the Japanese archipelago and many of its kami (gods and spirits). According to the myths, after Izanami died giving birth to the fire god Kagutsuchi, Izanagi went to the underworld (Yomi) to retrieve her. Upon returning, Izanagi performed a purification ritual in a river, during which Susanoo, along with his siblings Amaterasu (the sun goddess) and Tsukuyomi (the moon god), were born. Specifically, Susanoo emerged from Izanagi’s nose, a symbolic act that underscores his association with breath, wind, and storms.
Personality and Characteristics
Susanoo is often depicted as a turbulent and rebellious deity. His personality is multifaceted, encompassing both destructive and benevolent aspects. His stormy temperament is reflected in many of his myths, where he is portrayed as both a troublemaker and a hero.
One of Susanoo’s defining traits is his intense emotionality, which can lead to both creative and destructive outcomes. This duality is a common theme in many mythologies worldwide, where gods associated with natural forces often embody both the nurturing and catastrophic aspects of nature.
Key Myths and Legends
The Banishing of Susanoo
One of the most famous myths involving Susanoo is his banishment from the heavenly realm (Takamagahara) due to his disruptive behavior. According to the Kojiki, Susanoo, in a fit of rage, wreaked havoc in the celestial realm, causing great distress to the other gods. His actions culminated in a confrontation with his sister, Amaterasu.
In a symbolic act of purification and power, Susanoo uprooted Amaterasu’s rice fields, defecated in her palace, and threw a flayed horse into her weaving hall, causing one of her attendants to die from fright. This final act drove Amaterasu into a cave, plunging the world into darkness.
The other gods, alarmed by the loss of light, devised a plan to lure Amaterasu out of the cave. They performed a dance and held a mirror and jewels to entice her. Curious about the commotion, Amaterasu emerged, restoring light to the world. As a result of his actions, Susanoo was banished from Takamagahara and descended to earth.
The Slaying of Yamata no Orochi
Following his banishment, Susanoo wandered the earth and eventually arrived in the land of Izumo. There, he encountered an elderly couple grieving for their daughter, Kushinadahime, who was to be sacrificed to the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi. This monstrous creature demanded a virgin maiden each year, and Kushinadahime was the last of the couple’s daughters.
Moved by their plight, Susanoo devised a plan to defeat the serpent. He transformed Kushinadahime into a comb, which he placed in his hair for safekeeping. He then instructed the couple to prepare eight vats of sake and place them outside their home. When Yamata no Orochi arrived and began drinking the sake, it became intoxicated and fell asleep. Seizing the opportunity, Susanoo slew the serpent, cutting it into pieces.
In one of the serpent’s tails, Susanoo found the legendary sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (originally called Ama-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi), which he later presented to Amaterasu as a gesture of reconciliation. This sword would become one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan, symbolizing the divine right of the Japanese emperors to rule.
The Marriage to Kushinadahime
After slaying Yamata no Orochi, Susanoo married Kushinadahime. This union is often seen as a turning point in Susanoo’s narrative, symbolizing his transition from a chaotic god to a more stable and protective figure. He settled in Izumo and became a patron deity of the region, establishing his divine lineage. His descendants are said to include the famous hero Okuninushi, who played a crucial role in the mythology of Izumo and the unification of Japan.
Significance in Japanese Culture
Susanoo’s influence extends beyond mythology into various aspects of Japanese culture, including religion, literature, and popular culture.
Religious Significance
In Shinto, Susanoo is venerated as a powerful and protective deity. Numerous shrines across Japan are dedicated to him, the most prominent being the Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture. This shrine, one of the oldest and most important in Japan, serves as a center of worship for Susanoo and his divine lineage.
The festival of Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, one of Japan’s most famous and elaborate festivals, is also linked to Susanoo. Originally intended to appease the god of storms and protect the city from plague and natural disasters, the festival now celebrates Kyoto’s cultural heritage with grand processions, floats, and various religious ceremonies.
Literary and Artistic Depictions
Susanoo has been a popular subject in Japanese literature and art. His myths have been retold and reinterpreted in various forms, from classical Noh and Kabuki plays to modern manga and anime. These stories often emphasize his heroism, his complex relationship with his siblings, and his role in the divine order.
In art, Susanoo is typically depicted as a fierce warrior or a majestic figure commanding the elements. His iconic battle with Yamata no Orochi has been a favorite motif, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and chaos.
Influence on Popular Culture
In contemporary times, Susanoo continues to be a significant cultural figure. He appears in various media, including video games, films, and television series. His character is often adapted to fit modern narratives, emphasizing his stormy nature and heroic deeds.
For instance, in the popular video game series “Shin Megami Tensei” and its spin-off “Persona,” Susanoo appears as a powerful entity that players can summon. His mythology provides rich material for storytelling and character development, making him a versatile figure in modern entertainment.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Susanoo’s legacy is deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual fabric of Japan. His stories, which highlight themes of conflict, redemption, and the balance between chaos and order, resonate with fundamental aspects of the human experience.
Symbolism and Themes
Susanoo’s mythology embodies several key themes and symbols that continue to be relevant:
- Duality and Balance: Susanoo’s nature reflects the balance between creation and destruction, order and chaos. His actions, while often destructive, also lead to positive outcomes, such as the defeat of Yamata no Orochi and the restoration of order.
- Redemption and Transformation: Susanoo’s journey from a rebellious god to a protector and hero illustrates the theme of redemption. His marriage to Kushinadahime and his role in establishing a divine lineage signify his transformation and acceptance of responsibility.
- Human Emotions and Nature: Susanoo’s intense emotions and impulsive actions mirror human traits, making him a relatable figure. His stories emphasize the importance of controlling one’s temper and the potential for growth and change.
Modern Interpretations
Modern interpretations of Susanoo continue to explore these themes, often highlighting his complexity and multifaceted nature. Whether portrayed as a formidable warrior, a misunderstood hero, or a divine force of nature, Susanoo remains a compelling figure in Japanese culture.
In environmental discussions, Susanoo’s association with storms and the sea is sometimes invoked to emphasize the power and unpredictability of nature. This connection underscores the importance of respecting and living in harmony with the natural world.
Global Recognition
While primarily a figure in Japanese mythology, Susanoo has gained recognition beyond Japan. His stories, particularly the dramatic battle with Yamata no Orochi, have universal appeal and have been incorporated into various cultural contexts.
In global media, Susanoo is often presented alongside other mythological figures, highlighting the shared human fascination with gods and heroes who embody the forces of nature. His enduring popularity attests to the timeless nature of his myths and the continuing relevance of his stories.