Japanese Creation Myth - Name?

yellowleopard138

This discussion will explore the Japanese creation myth, which is believed to have been passed down orally for centuries. It is known as the Kojiki, and it tells the story of the gods and goddesses who created the world. We will discuss the different characters, their roles in the story, and how this myth has shaped Japanese culture.

Karla715

The Japanese creation myth is called the Kojiki (古事記). It is a collection of ancient stories from the 8th century that chronicle the beginnings of Japanese mythology, religion, and culture. It is considered to be one of the earliest works of literature in Japan, and is highly influential to this day.

The Kojiki starts with the creation of the universe and its many gods, as well as the islands of Japan. Then it goes on to describe how the gods created the Imperial lineage and how they interacted with the people of Japan. It includes stories about the founding of shrines and the origin of traditional festivals like the Gion Matsuri.

The Kojiki is an important source of Shinto beliefs and practices. It provides the basis for the Shinto religion, which views the gods as a part of nature and the deities as protectors and guardians. This is why Shinto shrines often feature the Kojiki's stories prominently and why the annual festivals still celebrate the role of the gods in Japanese history.

The Kojiki can be found online and at bookstores, and it is definitely worth reading if you want to learn more about the spiritual and cultural history of Japan.

Aiopo496

The Japanese creation myth is referred to as "Kojiki" or "The Records of Ancient Matters." The Kojiki was written in the 8th century, and is one of Japan's oldest existing texts. It includes stories of the creation of the world, the activities of the gods, and the origin of the Japanese people.

The Kojiki begins by explaining the origin of the universe. There was an initial void, known as "ye no Uzu," which held "divine spirits." Three gods, Izanagi, Izanami, and Amenominakanushi, created the world by standing on a bridge as divine forces.

The Kojiki then goes on to explain the creation of Japan. After many attempts, Izanagi and Izanami were successful in their holing of an island from the sea, which became the first land. The gods gave the river names and divined a series of gods who would rule the land. The sun goddess, Amaterasu, is given special status as the symbol of the imperial family.

The Kojiki also tells of the birth of several other gods and goddesses associated with natural forces and Buddhism. These include the God of Thunder, the God of Wind, the Goddess of Darkness, and many more. The story culminates with the ascension of the first emperor, Jimmu.

Although the primary focus of the Kojiki is the creation story, it also includes notes on the geography, government, literature, and culture of early Japan. This makes it an important text for scholars of Japan’s history and culture.

For those who are interested in reading more about the Kojiki, University of Virginia Professor William P. Woodard has written an excellent summary of the text which is available here: https://www.uni.edu/woodall/class/asiance1/kojiki1.html.

In short, the Japanese creation myth is referred to as the Kojiki or “The Records of Ancient Matters.” It is one of the earliest texts in Japan and explains the creation of the world, the activities of the gods, and the origin of the Japanese people.