About Susanoo

Susanoo: The God of Storms, Seas, and Chaos

Susanoo, the god of storms and seas, is one of the most complex deities in Japanese mythology. Known for his wild and unpredictable nature, Susanoo embodies the destructive forces of nature but also serves as a protector and hero. As the brother of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and Tsukiyomi, the moon deity, Susanoo plays a critical role in balancing the natural elements.

Though often feared for his chaotic behavior, Susanoo is best known for his heroic act of slaying the Yamata no Orochi, a monstrous eight-headed serpent. After being exiled from the heavenly realm for his destructive actions, Susanoo encountered a family being terrorized by the serpent. With his cunning, he devised a plan to intoxicate the serpent with sake and then struck it down, saving the maiden Kushinada-hime. From the serpent’s tail, Susanoo retrieved the legendary sword Kusanagi, one of Japan’s three sacred treasures.

However, Susanoo’s tumultuous relationship with his sister Amaterasu is just as legendary. His reckless actions in the heavenly realm, including destroying her rice fields and throwing a flayed horse into her sacred weaving hall, led to his banishment. This event caused Amaterasu to retreat into a cave, plunging the world into darkness until the other gods coaxed her out.

Despite his chaotic tendencies, Susanoo is also revered as a protector, particularly by fishermen and sailors who pray for his protection from storms. His presence is still honored in several shrines across Japan, most notably at Izumo Taisha, one of the oldest Shinto shrines.

Fun Facts About Susanoo

• Yamata no Orochi: Susanoo’s slaying of the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi is one of the most iconic tales in Japanese mythology. The sword Kusanagi, found in the serpent’s tail, became one of Japan’s imperial treasures.
• Izumo Taisha: Susanoo is worshipped at Izumo Taisha, one of the most ancient and revered Shinto shrines in Japan, located in Shimane Prefecture.
• Protector of Sailors: Despite his destructive nature, Susanoo is also seen as a protector of sailors and fishermen, offering safety from the dangers of the sea.
• Rivalry with Amaterasu: The sibling rivalry between Susanoo and his sister Amaterasu is a symbolic representation of chaos versus order, storms versus the sun.