Who is Susanoo?
Q: Who is Susanoo?
A: Susanoo is the kami of the sea and storms in Shinto. He is the brother of Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, and Tsukuyomi, the god of the moon. All three were created from Izanagi when he washed his face to cleanse himself from Yomi, the underworld.
Q: How did Susano'o and Amaterasu interact?
A: Susano'o and Amaterasu had a great rivalry between them. When Susano'o was about to leave Heaven forever because Izanagi ordered him to, he went to say goodbye to his sister. Amaterasu proposed him a challenge where each would turn an object of each other's into people. However, Susano'o destroyed her rice fields and killed one of her assistants in anger which caused Amaterasu to hide inside Ama-no-Iwato so that Sun was hidden for a long time. As punishment for this action, Susano'o was banished from Heaven.
Q: What happened when Susano'o arrived in Izumo?
A: When Susano'o arrived in Izumo, he met an old couple who told him that seven out of their eight daughters had been eaten by Yamata-no-Orochi and it was about to come for their eighth daughter Kushi-inada-hime as well. After they promised their daughter's hand in marriage to Susano’o if he saved her life, he agreed to kill Orochi with help from eight bowls of sake (one for each head). After killing Orochi with his sword Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi ("Heaven's Cloud Gathering Sword"), later known as Kusanagi no Tsurugi ,he gave it as a reconciliation gift along with Yata no Kagami (a mirror) and magatama (sacred jewels) as proof of divine right over Earth (the three Imperial Regalia of Japan).
Q: What does Shinto refer to?
A: Shinto refers to an ancient Japanese religion which involves worshiping spirits or gods called "kami". It focuses on ritual practices such as purification ceremonies which are meant to bring good fortune or ward off evil spirits or bad luck. It also includes festivals dedicated towards honoring ancestors or deities associated with nature such as mountains or rivers.
Q: Where did Izanagi wash himself?
A: Izanagi washed himself at Yomi which is referred to as “the underworld” in Japanese mythology .It is described as a dark place filled with shadows where souls go after death before being reincarnated into another form .Yomi can be reached through crossing Sanzu River using bridges made out of feathers .
Q:What objects were given by Susanoo ? A:Susanoo gave Amaterasu Ame - no - Murakumo - no - Tsurugi ("Heaven's Cloud Gathering Sword"), later known as Kusanagi no Tsurugi ,along with Yata no Kagami (a mirror) and magatama (sacred jewels )as proofof divine right over Earth(the three Imperial RegaliaofJapan).
