Susanoo (スサノオ), also written Susano-o or Takehaya Susanoo, is the Japanese storm god, a central figure in Shinto mythology. He is the impetuous younger brother of the sun goddess Amaterasu and the moon god Tsukuyomi, born from the nose of the primordial creator Izanagi.
Origins and Birth
According to the Kojiki (712 CE) and the Nihon Shoki (720 CE), the earliest surviving chronicles of Japanese myth, Susanoo came into being during the purification rites of his father, Izanagi. After Izanagi returned from the underworld (Yomi), he bathed in a river to cleanse himself. As he washed his nose, Susanoo was born. His birth gave him dominion over the sea, storms, and the autumn harvest, though his personality often overshadowed his domains.
The Exile to the Heavenly Plain
Susanoo was assigned to rule the ocean, but he wept and longed for his mother, Izanami, who was trapped in the underworld. His constant crying caused mountains to wither and rivers to dry, so Izanagi expelled him from the heavenly realm. Before leaving, Susanoo climbed to the High Plain of Heaven to bid farewell to his sister, Amaterasu. She grew suspicious of his intentions, and he proposed a test of divine parentage: each would bite and break a jewel or sword, and the offspring would prove their sincerity. Amaterasu bore five male deities from Susanoo’s sword, and Susanoo bore three goddesses from her jewels. Amaterasu declared the males were hers, and Susanoo, angered by her claim, began a rampage.
The Rampage and Amaterasu’s Retreat
Susanoo’s destructive behavior in heaven is one of the most famous episodes in Japanese myth. He destroyed Amaterasu’s rice fields, flayed a sacred horse, and hurled it through the roof of her weaving hall, causing a goddess to injure herself. Terrified and grieving, Amaterasu hid in the Ama-no-Iwato, a heavenly rock cave, plunging the world into darkness. The other gods devised a plan to lure her out with a mirror and jewelry, and when she peeked out, they blocked the cave behind her, restoring light to the world. Susanoo was then punished: his hair and nails were cut, and he was banished from heaven.
The Slaying of Yamata no Orochi
In exile, Susanoo descended to Izumo Province, where he encountered an elderly couple weeping over their daughter, Kushinada-hime. They told him that the eight-headed, eight-tailed serpent Yamata no Orochi had devoured seven of their daughters and would soon take the last one. Susanoo offered to slay the beast in exchange for the maiden’s hand. He devised a plan: he ordered eight vats of strong sake to be placed on a platform with eight gates. When the serpent came, it drank the sake, fell asleep, and Susanoo cut it into pieces. In its tail, he found the legendary sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, which he later presented to Amaterasu as a peace offering. This sword became one of the Three Sacred Treasures of the Japanese imperial family.
Susanoo in the Izumo Myth Cycle
After his triumph, Susanoo married Kushinada-hime and settled in Izumo, where he became a culture hero. He founded the Izumo Shrine (Izumo Taisha), one of Japan’s oldest and most important Shinto shrines, dedicated to him and later to his descendant, Okuninushi. In the Izumo myths, Susanoo is credited with clearing the land, creating agriculture, and establishing rituals. His role here contrasts sharply with his earlier chaotic nature, showing a duality that persists in later depictions.
Susanoo’s Depictions and Roles
In classical art, Susanoo is often shown as a wild, bearded man with a sword and a fierce expression, sometimes with a serpent or storm imagery. In the Kojiki, he is described as having a “long beard” and a “rough” demeanor. He is also associated with the sea and the underworld, and some myths place him as the ruler of Yomi, the land of the dead. In later Buddhist-influenced syncretism, Susanoo was sometimes linked to the deity Gozu Tenno, a plague god, and his shrines often include elements of both traditions. Today, he is still worshipped at many shrines, especially in Izumo, and his story appears in festivals, such as the Gion Festival in Kyoto, which honors Gozu Tenno.
Comparisons with Other Storm Deities
Susanoo shares traits with other storm gods in world mythology. His impulsive, destructive nature echoes the Norse god Thor, who also fights giants and brings thunder, though Thor is more often a protector. The Greek god Zeus wields lightning and asserts authority, but Susanoo is more rebellious and less kingly. His role as a slayer of a serpent parallels the Hindu god Indra, who kills the dragon Vritra, and the Babylonian Marduk, who defeats Tiamat. However, Susanoo’s unique blend of chaos, redemption, and cultural heroism sets him apart, as he is both a troublemaker and a founder of civilization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Susanoo mean?
The name “Susanoo” is of uncertain origin. Some scholars suggest it may derive from “susa,” meaning “sand” or “rough,” possibly referring to his stormy nature. Others link it to the place name Susa in Izumo, where he is said to have landed. The full name “Takehaya Susanoo” includes “take” (brave) and “haya” (swift), reflecting his martial qualities.
Is Susanoo a good or evil god?
Susanoo is neither purely good nor evil. He causes destruction and chaos, but he also saves people from the serpent and brings civilization to Izumo. In Shinto, deities are not strictly divided into good and evil; they are forces of nature and human traits. His story shows a god who acts on impulse but can be heroic and generous.
Why did Susanoo fight Amaterasu?
Susanoo did not set out to fight Amaterasu directly. His anger came from being exiled and from the failed test of trust. His rampage was a reaction to what he saw as her rejection of his sincerity. The conflict between them reflects the tension between the sun and storms, and it leads to the temporary loss of light, a metaphor for solar eclipses or the winter season.
What is the Kusanagi sword?
Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, or the “Grass-Cutting Sword,” is a legendary sword found in the tail of Yamata no Orochi. It is one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, symbolizing valor. The sword is said to have been used by the warrior Yamato Takeru to cut grass in a fire, but its historical existence is unknown. It is kept at Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya, though it is not shown to the public.
Where is Susanoo worshipped today?
Susanoo is worshipped at many Shinto shrines, most notably Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture, where he is enshrined alongside Okuninushi. Other important shrines include Susa Shrine in Shimane and Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto, which hosts the Gion Festival. His cult is also popular in regions with strong storm or sea traditions.
Related
- Apis in Egyptian Mythology: Sacred Bull Cult
- Aurora in Roman Mythology: Goddess of Dawn
- Hel in Norse Mythology: Ruler of the Dead
How pages are sourced and corrected: Sources and editorial policy.