Kusanagi no Tsurugi
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Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi is a legendary Japanese sword and one of three Imperial Regalia of Japan. It was originally called Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi, but its name was later changed to the more popular Ku
Susanoo slays the eight-headed beast Yamata-no-Orochi
Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya dates back to 100 CE during the reign of Emperor Keikō and houses the Kusanagi sword.
Amaterasu cave wide
Amaterasu cave crop
Yamata no Orochi
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Yamata no Orochi is a legendary eight-headed and eight-tailed serpent that appears in Japanese mythology. Both the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki record that the kami Susanoo no Mikoto, in order to rescue Kus
Kusanagi no Tsurugi
…land") headed by Ashinazuchi (足名椎) in Izumo Province. When Susanoo asked Ashinazuchi, he told him that his family was being terrorized by the fearsome Yamata no Orochi, an eight-headed serpent of Koshi, who had consumed seven of the family's eight daughters, and that the creature was coming for his final daughter…
An eighteenth century depiction of Susanoo no Mikoto slaying Yamata-no Orochi. Woodblock print by Torii Kiyomasu II.
Gozu Tennō (Susanoo) slaying Yamata no Orochi. Nineteenth century woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniteru.
Nii no Ama plunging into the sea, alongside Emperor Antoku. Nineteenth century woodblock print by Yoshitsuya Ichieisai.