What does izanagi do

What is Izanagi?

Izanagi (Izanagi-no-Mikoto, literally 'He-Who-Invites') is a central figure in Japanese Shinto mythology, revered as one of the primordial kami (gods or spirits). He, along with his sister and wife Izanami ('She-Who-Invites'), are the divine couple responsible for the creation of the Japanese archipelago and a vast pantheon of other kami. Their story is primarily recounted in the ancient Japanese chronicles, the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), which were compiled in the early 8th century CE.

The Creation of Japan

According to the myths, after the universe was formed, Izanagi and Izanami were tasked with solidifying the earth. Standing on the floating bridge of heaven (Ama-no-ukihashi), Izanagi stirred the primordial ocean with a jeweled spear. As he lifted the spear, droplets fell from its tip, coalescing to form the first island, Onogoro-shima. They descended to this island and made it their home. Subsequently, they created the remaining islands of Japan and many other kami through divine procreation. These kami would go on to govern various aspects of the natural world and human life.

The Birth of the Gods and the Loss of Izanami

Izanagi and Izanami gave birth to many kami, including the gods of the sea, mountains, wind, and trees. However, their most significant offspring were the three noble children: Amaterasu (the sun goddess), Tsukuyomi (the moon god), and Susanoo (the storm god). The birth of Kagutsuchi, the fire kami, proved to be a tragic event. Izanami was severely burned during his birth and subsequently died. This loss profoundly affected Izanagi.

Izanagi's Descent to Yomi

Grief-stricken and unwilling to accept Izanami's death, Izanagi decided to pursue her into Yomi-no-kuni, the land of the dead. He found Izanami and pleaded with her to return with him. Izanami agreed to speak with the kami of Yomi, asking if she could leave. However, she was told she could not, as those who have once eaten the food of Yomi are not allowed to leave. Despite this, Izanami promised Izanagi she would try to arrange her return and asked him to wait and not look upon her.

Impatient and curious, Izanagi broke his promise. He lit a torch and looked upon Izanami, only to discover that she had become a horrifying, decaying corpse. In his shock and disgust, Izanagi fled. Enraged and shamed by his actions, Izanami sent her monstrous Hags of Yomi and the thunder kami to pursue him. Izanagi managed to escape by blocking the entrance to Yomi with a massive boulder.

The Purification Ritual (Misogi)

Upon returning to the world of the living, Izanagi felt defiled by his journey to the land of the dead. To cleanse himself, he performed a ritual of purification, known as Misogi, in a river. As he washed, new kami emerged from his body. From his left eye, Amaterasu (the sun goddess) was born. From his right eye, Tsukuyomi (the moon god) emerged. And from his nose, Susanoo (the storm god) came forth. These three are among the most important deities in the Shinto pantheon.

Legacy and Significance

Izanagi's actions, both in creation and in his subsequent purification, established fundamental principles within Shinto. The act of creation highlights the divine origin of Japan and its people. His tragic experience with Izanami and the subsequent purification ritual underscore the Shinto concept of 'kegare' (defilement or impurity) and the importance of purification rites (harae) to restore purity and maintain harmony with the divine. Izanagi, though often overshadowed by his divine children like Amaterasu, remains a foundational figure, representing the primeval forces of creation and the enduring cycle of life, death, and rebirth.