Amaterasu

Definition

Amaterasu is the Shinto goddess of the sun and one of the principal deities in Japanese mythology. She is believed to be the ancestor of the imperial family and plays a critical role in the creation myths of Japan, embodying light, purity, and fertility, which were essential concepts during the Yamato state and Kofun period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Amaterasu is often depicted as a beautiful woman who brings light to the world, which symbolizes hope and prosperity for the Japanese people.
2. According to mythology, she was born from the left eye of Izanagi, one of the creator gods, and her emergence marked the beginning of light after a period of darkness.
3. The Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan's most sacred sites, is dedicated to Amaterasu and is considered her earthly abode.
4. Amaterasu's conflict with her brother Susanoo, the storm god, led her to hide in a cave, causing darkness to envelop the world until she was coaxed out, illustrating her vital role in bringing light and order.
5. The imperial family claims descent from Amaterasu, reinforcing their legitimacy and divine right to rule over Japan.

Review Questions

• How does Amaterasu's role as a sun goddess influence the cultural practices and beliefs during the Yamato state?
  • Amaterasu's status as the sun goddess significantly impacted cultural practices and beliefs in the Yamato state by establishing a divine connection between the emperor and this deity. Her association with light and purity helped legitimize the emperor's rule, portraying him as a descendant of the divine. This created a foundation for Shinto rituals that honored Amaterasu and sought her blessings for agricultural fertility, prosperity, and national unity.
• Discuss how Amaterasu's mythology reflects the social hierarchy present during the Kofun period.
  • The mythology surrounding Amaterasu reflects the social hierarchy of the Kofun period by highlighting themes of divine ancestry and political authority. Her portrayal as an ancestor of the imperial family establishes a link between governance and divinity, which justified the power dynamics within society. The construction of large kofun burial mounds for elite individuals parallels this connection between divine favor and social status, illustrating how mythology served to reinforce existing power structures.
• Evaluate the significance of Amaterasu's influence on Japanese identity and nationalism from historical perspectives related to the Yamato state.
  • Amaterasu's influence on Japanese identity and nationalism is profound, especially when evaluating her role in shaping concepts of divine authority within the Yamato state. As a symbol of purity and light, she embodies ideals that resonate with national pride and cultural heritage. This connection has evolved over time, becoming particularly significant during periods of national consolidation and conflict, where her image was invoked to inspire unity and resilience among the Japanese people. The narrative of descent from Amaterasu continues to be a cornerstone of Japan's national identity today.

Related terms

Shinto:

The indigenous spirituality of Japan that encompasses a variety of rituals and beliefs centered around kami, or spirits, which include deities like Amaterasu.

Kofun: The Kofun period is characterized by large burial mounds built for the elite, reflecting the social stratification and political power structures that emerged during this time.

Yamato: The Yamato state refers to the early Japanese state that emerged during the Kofun period, recognized for its centralization of power and the establishment of a divine lineage through Amaterasu.