Loading...
Key Details
Type
RealmMythology
Japanese Pantheon
Coordinates
35.472°N, 132.759°E
About This Location
Susanoo's exile country
Izumo province is where the storm god Susanoo, thrown out of heaven, kills Yamata no Orochi, finds Kusanagi in the tail, and marries Kushinada-hime. The Kojiki and Nihon Shoki locate the eight-headed serpent in the Hi river country. Okuninushi's later cycle is the same landscape. Izumo Taisha is the cult house; the province is the narrative ground. The imperial chronicles need Izumo as the earth that must cede to the sun line.
Primary Sources
“The serpent had eight heads and eight tails. On its body moss grew, and trees. It filled eight valleys and eight hills.”
More from Japanese Pantheon
Ise Grand Shrine
TempleThe most sacred Shinto shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu the sun goddess, ritually rebuilt every 20 years.
Izumo Taisha
TempleOne of the most ancient and important Shinto shrines, dedicated to Okuninushi, lord of the unseen world.
Mount Fuji
Sacred SiteJapan's highest and most sacred mountain, believed to be the dwelling place of kami and a source of immortality.
Floating Bridge of Heaven
RealmThe celestial bridge from which Izanagi and Izanami stirred the primordial ocean to create the islands of Japan.
Yomi
UnderworldThe shadowy land of the dead ruled by Izanami, from which Izanagi barely escaped after seeing his wife's decayed form.
Takamagahara
RealmThe High Plain of Heaven, dwelling place of the heavenly kami including Amaterasu and the celestial court.