Read, reflect, pray
Kojiki: The prince who traveled to Izumo
Kojiki · Story 16 of 22
出雲へ向かった御子
Waiting for speech, and the deity’s palace.
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
Emperor Suinin’s child Homuchiwake is described as not speaking even after growing up. Responding to a bird’s cry prompts a long journey to capture it, but showing him the bird brings no words.
Through the emperor’s dream and divination, the great deity of Izumo requests that the sacred palace be put in order. The child travels to Izumo with accompanying princes. Returning after worship, he speaks at a riverside feast; the attendants rejoice and send news to the capital.
Delighted by the report, the emperor has the deity’s palace built. The story connects Izumo worship, the origin of groups serving the child, and mysterious encounters on the journey.
Reading note
At the child’s speaking scene, the name Ashihara Shikoo appears. This passage lets readers consider the great deity of Izumo and Ōkuninushi’s various names in context.
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.