Reading Notes:Japanese Mythology, Week 7


I found the story of Izanagi and Izanami to be interesting in many ways.


One I have always like Japanese creation stories because they incorporate so much of the unique and beautiful landscape of Japan. Being made up of islands, the people of Japan seem to be very respectful of the sea and the natural resources of the islands, and that is evident in their stories.


I was intrigued more with this story by the sad fate of Izanami and the justification. It seems she was banished to the world of mortals because of the loved she held her for children (the islands) and then she dies in childbirth and is doomed to, essentially, hell.

Somewhat...ungrateful.


I was also drawn to the "assymetry" of the story of "The Fortunate Fish Hook." Grief over losing the hook led our Prince Fire-Fade from his home to the kingdom under the sea and to meet his great love. However, guilt and the need to return the hook took the Prince back to land and away from this love and their coming child. Very interesting twists and turns.

Iillustration used in the UNtextbook, taken from the source text

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