Encyclopedia of Shinto

Main Menu:   
Links:   

詳細表示 (Complete Article)

カテゴリー1： 2. Kami (Deities)
カテゴリー2： Kami in Classic Texts
Title
Amenotokotachi
Text [Ame no tokotachi no kami] (Kojiki)
Other names: Ame no tokotachi no mikoto(Nihongi)



One of the primeval kami appearing in the myth of the unfolding of heaven and earth. This kami is described as only an abstract being, without shape or other attributes. Most commentators view this kami as an offspring of Kunitokotachi.
According to Kojiki, the kami forming the lineage from the three deities of creation to Umashiashikabihikoji and Amenotokotachi are called the "five separate heavenly deities" (kotoamatsukami), while Kunitokotachi and others are produced thereafter as part of the "seven generations of the age of the kami" (kamiyo).

On the other hand, the sixth "alternate writing" transmitting this event in Nihongi is alone in describing Amenotokotachi as the primal kami existing before Umashiashikabihikoji and Kunitokotachi. Sendai kuji hongi likewise states that the name is a variant for Amenominakanushi no mikoto. See also Kunitokotachi.

-Kadoya Atsushi

Pronunciation in Japanese/用語音声

No movie/映像なし