| Takemikazuchi | |
|---|---|
 Earthquake-warding song (a namazu-e woodblock pamphlet, October 1855). The figure holding down the Namazu (mythical catfish) is believed to be Takemikazuchi. | |
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Other Names |
Kashima-no-kami, Takefutsu-no-kami, and Toyofutsu-no-kami |
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First Appearance |
Japanese Mythology |
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Created by |
Unknown |
Origin[]
Takemikazuchi is a deity in Japanese mythology, considered a god of thunder and a sword god. He also competed in what is considered the first sumo wrestling match recorded in history.
He is otherwise known as "The kami of Kashima" (Kashima-no-kami), the chief deity revered in the Kashima Shrine at Kashima, Ibaraki (and all other subsidiary Kashima shrines). In the namazu-e or catfish prints of the Edo period, Takemikazuchi/Kashima is depicted attempting to subdue the Namazu, a giant catfish supposedly dwelling at the kaname-ishi (要石, 'pinning rock') of the Japanese landmass and causing its earthquakes.
In the Kamiumi ("birth of the gods") episodes of the Kojiki, the god of creation Izanagi severs the head of the fire deity Kagu-tsuchi, whereupon the blood from the sword (Totsuka-no-Tsurugi) splattered the rocks and gave birth to several deities. The blood from the sword-tip engendered one triad of deities, and the blood from near the base of the blade produced another triad that included Takemikazuchi.
The name of the ten-fist sword wielded by Izanagi is given postscripturally as Ame-no-ohabari, otherwise known as Itsu-no-ohabari.
The Nihon Shoki gives the same episode in the same general gist, albeit more vaguely regarding this deity.
Public Domain Appearances[]
All published appearances of Takemikazuchi from before January 1, 1930 are public domain in the US.
Some notable appearances are listed below:
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- Nihon Shoki
- Kojiki