Read, reflect, pray
Kojiki: The heavenly rock cave and returning light
Kojiki · Story 6 of 22
天の岩戸、光が戻るとき
Deliberation, mirror, jewels, and laughter.
English translation of this site’s published story summary and reading notes. This is a selected reading guide, not a complete translation of the ancient chronicle.
Story summary
Claiming victory in the ukehi, Susanoo destroys field ridges and channels and repeatedly acts violently in Amaterasu’s realm. When he throws a horse into the weaving hall and a weaver dies, Amaterasu, frightened, hides in the heavenly rock cave. Both Takamagahara and the Central Land of Reed Plains fall into darkness.
The deities assemble and seek Omoikane’s wisdom. They make a mirror and jewels and hang them on sakaki; Futodama holds the offerings and Amenokoyane speaks a norito. Ame no Uzume dances, stamping upon an overturned tub, and the deities’ laughter resounds.
Wondering what is happening, Amaterasu opens the door a little and is shown the mirror. As she leans farther out, Ameno Tajikarao takes her hand and leads her outside; Futodama stretches a rope behind her. With Amaterasu’s reappearance, the world becomes bright again.
Reading note
The text says Amenokoyane spoke a norito but does not give its full words. No conjectural prayer for this scene has been composed.
Compare with the Nihon Shoki
Connected figures
Names and relationships in a chronicle may differ from later traditions. Each figure’s introduction identifies its sources.
Sources and edition (1)
English explanations on this page were prepared by Inori no Mori from the cited text and its Japanese explanations. They are not an official translation or a prescribed liturgy.