Yamata-no-Orochi facts for kids
The Yamata no Orochi (八岐大蛇), often just called Orochi, is a famous creature from Japanese mythology. Its name means "8-branched giant snake," and it is known for having eight heads and eight tails. This powerful and fearsome dragon plays a big part in ancient Japanese stories.
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What is the Yamata no Orochi?
The Yamata no Orochi is described as a massive serpent, so large that its body stretched over eight valleys and eight hills. Its eyes were said to be like red winter cherries, and its back was covered with moss and trees. This showed how old and huge it was. The Orochi was also very destructive. It caused a lot of trouble and fear in the land of Izumo, where it lived.
The Story of Susanoo and the Orochi
The most famous story about the Yamata no Orochi involves the god Susanoo. Susanoo is the god of storms and the sea. He was banished from heaven and came down to Izumo.
Susanoo's Arrival in Izumo
When Susanoo arrived in Izumo, he saw a pair of chopsticks floating in a river. He followed the river upstream and found an old couple crying. They were Ashinazuchi and Tenazuchi. They told Susanoo that the Yamata no Orochi had eaten seven of their eight daughters. The monster was coming for their last daughter, Kushinadahime.
The Plan to Defeat the Orochi
Susanoo, feeling sorry for the family, decided to help them. He made a clever plan to defeat the giant snake. He asked the old couple to brew a very strong sake (rice wine). He also told them to build a large fence with eight gates. At each gate, they were to place a large tub filled with the strong sake.
The Battle with the Eight-Headed Serpent
The Yamata no Orochi soon arrived, just as the old couple had feared. It smelled the sake and was very curious. Each of its eight heads drank from one of the tubs. The sake was so strong that the Orochi quickly became drunk and fell asleep.
This was Susanoo's chance! He drew his sword, the Totsuka-no-Tsurugi, and began to cut off each of the Orochi's heads. He then chopped off its tails. As he was cutting the fourth tail, his sword hit something hard. He found a magnificent sword hidden inside the tail. This sword was the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, which means "Grass-Cutting Sword."
The Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi
The Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi became one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan. These are very important treasures that represent the power of the Emperor of Japan. Susanoo later gave this sword to his sister, the sun goddess Amaterasu.
The Meaning of the Myth
The story of Yamata no Orochi is more than just a tale of a monster and a hero. It is often seen as a symbol of how people in ancient Japan understood their world.
- Nature's Power: The Orochi might represent the destructive power of nature, like floods or storms, which were common in ancient Japan.
- Heroism and Order: Susanoo's victory shows how heroes can bring order and safety to the world.
- Cultural Importance: This myth is a key part of Shinto, the traditional Japanese religion. It helps explain the origins of important symbols and places in Japan.
The Yamata no Orochi remains a popular figure in Japanese culture. It appears in many modern stories, movies, and video games, showing its lasting impact.
Images for kids
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Susanoo slaying the Yamata no Orochi, by Yoshitoshi
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Susanoo slaying the Yamata no Orochi, by Utagawa Kuniyoshi
