Izanagi vs Susanoo

Male primordial deity who, with Izanami, created the Japanese islands and many kami. After Izanami's death, he performed the first purification ritual.

Izanagi and Izanami were commanded to solidify and create land. Standing on the Floating Bridge of Heaven, Izanagi thrust his spear into the chaos. Drops fell and formed the first island.

Izanagi-no-Mikoto, with Izanami, is commanded to make land. Standing on the Floating Bridge of Heaven, he dips the jeweled spear **Ame-no-Nuboko** into the brine. The drops that fall harden into Onogoro, the first island. The pair then circumambulate a pillar, give birth to the islands of Japan and to many kami, and set the pattern of male and female speech that later texts still argue about.

God of storms, sea, and chaos. Brother of Amaterasu. Initially wild but later heroic. Famous for slaying the eight-headed dragon Yamata no Orochi.

Born from Izanagi's nose during purification. Exiled from heaven for his violence, he descended to Earth where he became a hero, slaying the dragon Yamata no Orochi.

**Susanoo-no-Mikoto** embodies the raw, untamed power of storms and the sea. Born from Izanagi's nose during his purification ritual, Susanoo was assigned to rule the ocean realm. However, his nature was wild and tempestuous, and his refusal to accept his duties set in motion one of Shinto mythology's most dramatic sagas.