History of Japan Episode 502 - The Age of Myth and Legend
Sep 29, 2023
Dive into the intriguing origins of Japan's imperial family and the mythology surrounding it. Explore creation myths from the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, detailing the divine ancestry of rulers. Discover how Amaterasu’s story shapes imperial legitimacy and unearth the dramatic conflict between her and Susanoo. Learn about the symbolic imperial regalia and the connection of ancient myths to migration patterns. Archaeological insights reveal the Yamato state's rise, fueled by advancements in agriculture and metal tools. A fascinating blend of myth and history awaits!
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Imperial Centrality Vs. Historical Uncertainty
- The imperial family is central to Japan's national narrative yet its origins are uncertain and debated among scholars.
- Mythic accounts like the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki were compiled centuries later and mix divine story with claimed history.
Creation Through Divine Couples
- The Kojiki and Nihon Shoki open with creation myths and seven generations of gods culminating in Izanagi and Izanami.
- Those two gods create the islands and many deities through symbolic sexual acts and childbirth that shapes later genealogy.
Death, Purification, And New Gods
- Izanami dies giving birth to the fire god Kagutsuchi and Izanagi's purification births Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo.
- These divine events set up the sun, moon, and storm deities who shape later imperial genealogies.
