THE STORY OF IZANAMI AND IZANAGI

Izanami and Izanagi are two gods which were believed to be the god of creation in Japan. Accroding to the legend, after their birth, they stood on the bridge of heaven and stirred the ocean with jeweled spear. When they lifted their spear, the drops fell into the water and formed the first land called Onogoro. Izanami and Izanagi lived in that island and became husband and wife.

And then, Izanami gave birth to eight children, who become the islands of Japan. After that, Izanami and Izanagi created some gods and goddesses to represent each natural features like mountain, valley, wind. However, during the birth of Kagutsuchi, the fire god, Izanami was burned to death.

When Izanami died, she went to Yomi-tsu Kuni, Izanagi decided to go over there and bring his beloved wife back from the land of darkness. Izanagi greeted Izanami from the shadow as he approached the gate to Yomi. Izanami said not to look at her, however, Izanagi lit a torch and looked at Izanami. Horrified to see that Izanami was a rotting corpse, Izanagi fled.

Filled with anger, Izanami sent female spirits, eight thunder gods, and an army of warrior to chase him. Izanagi managed to escaped and blocked the pass between Yomi-tsu Kuni and the land of living with huge boulder.

Izanagi felt unclean after the contact with dead, he took a bath and purified himself. A number of god and goddesses were born from that purification. Amaterasu appeared from his left eye, Tsukuyomi from his right eye, and Susano o from his nose. These gods were three noble children and Izanagi divided his kingdom to these children.

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