Read, reflect, pray
Kojiki: Jingū and the Sumiyoshi kami
Kojiki · Story 18 of 22
神功皇后と、住吉の神々
Oracles in a journey across the sea.
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
During Emperor Chūai’s time, an oracle concerning a western country is delivered through Okinagatarashihime. After his death, the divine names are asked anew: Amaterasu’s intention and the three deities Sokotsutsunoo, Nakatsutsunoo, and Uwatsutsunoo are identified.
The text says that, after worship and departure, fish support the ship and wind and waves carry it to Silla. This is a Kojiki tradition about external relations; its depiction is not treated straightforwardly as an actual conquest record.
The following story of the imperial child includes an exchange of names with Kehi’s great deity. Following a dream to the shore, he finds fish gathered there. The title Miketsu Ōkami is explained in connection with this gift of food.
Reading note
Emperor Ōjin’s connection to later Hachiman devotion is explained from separate sources in Hachiman’s introduction. The name Hachiman Daibosatsu does not appear in this Kojiki scene.
Connected figures
Names and relationships in a chronicle may differ from later traditions. Each figure’s introduction identifies its sources.
Sources and edition (2)
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.