Amaterasu is the name of the Sun-Goddess in Japanese mythology. Her emblem is the mirror, and she has a crow as a messenger which she considers to be sacred. Here you will read about her adventures.

Amaterasu Disappears

Once the Sun Goddess disappeared into a cave, and so the Earth had no light. Some of the deities took counsel to discuss how they were going to get back the goodwill of the Goddess so she would come out of the cave to bring light to the world again. They found a large copper mirror that would represent the Sun and surrounded it with a circle of saplings that were supposed to represent the rays of the Sun. From the upper limbs of the trees, balls representing the sacred jewel were hung and from the lower limbs, blue and white pendants. A prayer was said after these things were done, and then there was dancing and the lighting of many fires. The Sun Goddess heard all the music from her cave and was curious as to where it was coming from. She came out of the cave to find out, and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She saw how beautiful her light was, and did not return to her cave, lighting the world with her radiance again.

Amaterasu Creates New Goddesses

Once a holy man made a vow with Amaterasu that he would keep his heart pure, the Sun goddess broke his sword into three pieces and washed them in the well of Heaven. She ate the broken pieces, and when Amaterasu exhaled, three goddesses were born from her breath. She commanded the three goddesses to help with political affairs.