Susanoo’s family tree, as recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, places him as the son of the creator deities Izanagi and Izanami, the younger brother of the sun goddess Amaterasu and the moon god Tsukuyomi, and the father of numerous deities, most notably Okuninushi. His lineage is central to Shinto mythology, explaining the origins of the Japanese imperial line and the gods of the Izumo region.
Parents: Izanagi and Izanami
Susanoo is the third of the “Three Precious Children” born when his father Izanagi purified himself after returning from the underworld (Yomi). According to the Kojiki, as Izanagi washed his left eye, Amaterasu was born; washing his right eye produced Tsukuyomi; and washing his nose produced Susanoo. His mother, Izanami, had already died giving birth to the fire god Kagutsuchi, so she plays no direct role in Susanoo’s upbringing. This birth narrative is significant because it establishes Susanoo as a sibling of the highest celestial deities, yet his domain—the sea and storms—sets him apart from his sun and moon siblings.
Siblings: Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi
Susanoo’s two primary siblings are:
- Amaterasu – the sun goddess and ancestress of the Japanese imperial family. She is Susanoo’s elder sister and his main counterpart in myth.
- Tsukuyomi – the moon god, who is less prominent in surviving myths. He is said to have killed the food goddess Uke Mochi, causing Amaterasu to separate from him.
Susanoo’s relationship with Amaterasu is the axis of many myths. His disruptive behavior in heaven—destroying rice fields, flaying a sacred horse, and throwing it into her weaving hall—led to her hiding in a cave, plunging the world into darkness. This episode is a cornerstone of Shinto ritual and cosmology.
Consorts and Offspring
Susanoo’s family expands significantly through his marriages and liaisons. His principal consorts and children include:
- Kushinada-hime – his most famous wife, rescued from the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi. Their descendants include the gods of the Izumo region.
- Okuninushi – the god of nation-building and medicine, born of Susanoo’s union with Kushinada-hime (or in some versions, with another deity). Okuninushi is a major figure in his own right, and his descendants include the gods who governed the land before the celestial deities took over.
- Other children – the Kojiki lists several other deities born from Susanoo’s interactions, including the god of agriculture, the god of wind, and various nature spirits. The exact list varies between the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, and some names are obscure.
It is important to note that Susanoo’s family tree is not a single, fixed genealogy. Different texts and regional traditions emphasize different offspring, and some deities are credited to him in one source but not another.
The Izumo Connection
Susanoo’s family is particularly associated with the Izumo region (modern Shimane Prefecture). After his expulsion from heaven, Susanoo descended to Izumo, where he defeated the serpent and married Kushinada-hime. Their descendants, especially Okuninushi, became the rulers of the land. This lineage is distinct from the celestial line of Amaterasu, which eventually led to the imperial family. The myths of Izumo and Yamato (the imperial heartland) often interweave, reflecting historical political relationships.
Okuninushi and His Children
Okuninushi, Susanoo’s most prominent son, has his own extensive family tree. He is credited with many children, including:
- Kotoshironushi – the god of divination and sake, who played a role in the transfer of the land to the celestial deities.
- Takeminakata – a god of agriculture and hunting, who is enshrined at Suwa Taisha. He is said to have resisted the celestial conquest but was subdued.
- Other deities – the Kojiki lists over a dozen children of Okuninushi, many of whom are local gods of specific regions or clans.
This branch of the family tree is crucial for understanding the mythological geography of Japan, as many shrines trace their kami to Okuninushi’s offspring.
Susanoo in the Nihon Shoki
The Nihon Shoki (720 CE) presents a slightly different version of Susanoo’s genealogy. In this text, Susanoo is sometimes described as having a more positive role, and his children are listed differently. For example, the Nihon Shoki includes a version where Susanoo is the ancestor of the kings of Silla (in Korea), reflecting early Japanese-Korean interactions. This variation highlights that the family tree is not a fixed canon but a collection of narratives that evolved over time.
Common Misconceptions
A frequent misunderstanding is that Susanoo is a purely destructive or evil deity. In fact, he is a complex figure who also brings blessings, such as the gift of agriculture and the subjugation of monsters. Another misconception is that Amaterasu and Susanoo are married; they are siblings, and their conflicts are about power and behavior, not romance. Additionally, some modern media portray Susanoo as having a daughter named Amaterasu, but that is not supported by the classical texts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Susanoo’s parents? Susanoo’s parents are Izanagi and Izanami, the creator deities of the Japanese archipelago. His mother died during the birth of the fire god, and his father performed a purification ritual that led to Susanoo’s birth.
Is Susanoo related to the Japanese imperial family? Yes, but indirectly. Susanoo’s sister Amaterasu is the direct ancestor of the imperial line. Susanoo’s own descendants, such as Okuninushi, were the earthly rulers who eventually ceded the land to the celestial gods, thereby paving the way for the imperial dynasty.
Who is Susanoo’s most famous child? Okuninushi is the most prominent, as he is the central figure in the Izumo myths and the father of many regional gods. He is often considered the ruler of the unseen world of spirits.
Does Susanoo have any daughters? Yes, the texts mention several daughters, though they are less well-known than his sons. For example, the Kojiki lists a daughter named Suseri-hime, who later marries Okuninushi’s brother (or in some versions, Okuninushi himself).
Why did Susanoo fight the eight-headed serpent? He did so to rescue Kushinada-hime, whom the serpent demanded as a sacrifice. After slaying the serpent, he found the legendary sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi in its tail, which he later gave to Amaterasu as a peace offering.
Is Susanoo worshipped today? Yes, Susanoo is enshrined at many Shinto shrines, most notably at Izumo Taisha (though that shrine is primarily dedicated to Okuninushi) and at Yakumo Shrine in Shimane. He is also venerated as a protector against storms and pestilence.
Related
- Ashta Lakshmi: The Eight Forms of Goddess Lakshmi
- Bala Krishna in Hindu Mythology: Meaning & Role
- He Bo in Chinese Mythology: River God Explained
How pages are sourced and corrected: Sources and editorial policy.