Futodama (布刀玉命) is a god in Japanese mythology, claimed to be the ancestor of Inbe clan, whose characteristics are believed to reflect the functions of the clan as court ritualists.[1]
| Futodama | |
|---|---|
God of Rituals, Oracle and Divination | |
 | |
| Genealogy | |
| Parents | Takamimusubi |
| Siblings | Omoikane, Takuhadachiji-hime |
| Children | Kamotaketsunumi no Mikoto |
| Equivalents | |
| Greek | Phoebe |
Name and etymology
editThe god is known as Ame-no-Futodama-no-Mikoto (天太玉命) or Futodama (布刀玉, 太玉) for short. His name is speculated to mean great gift or offering.[2][3]
Myths
editAfter Susanoo accidentally killed one of Amaterasu's attendants in her weaving hall, she got upset and locked herself in Ama-no-Iwato causing the world to plunge into darkness, so Omoikane and other gods came up with a plan to get her out.[4] Futodama and Ame-no-Koyane were tasked with performing a divination. After Amaterasu left the cave, Futodama used a shimenawa to prevent her from going back to the cave again. This story is said to be the mythical origin of shimenawa.[5]
In Kogo shūi, Futodama is placed as the leader of the performed rituals.[1]
Family
edit| Takamimusubi | Amaterasu | ||||||||||||||||||
| Futodama | Takuhadachiji-hime | Oshihomimi | |||||||||||||||||
| Inbe clan | Ninigi-no-Mikoto | ||||||||||||||||||
In Kogo shūi Futodama is the child of Takuhatachijihime, and grandchild of Takamimusubi.[citation needed] But in many versions he is the son of Takamimusubi and the uncle to Ninigi.[6][1]
Worship
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Futodama is believed to be enshrined at Awa shrine, where there is a festival to the kami every year on August 10.[7] He is also enshrined at Amatsu Shrine alongside Ninigi and Ame-no-Koyane.[8] The Engi Shiki lists several shrines to Futodama in Izumi Province.[citation needed]
Popular culture
editIn the Japanese role playing game Shin Megami Tensei IV Futotama is a level 42 demon. Futotama creates other demons when fused; if he is fused with Virtue it creates Israfel, and if Futotama is fused with Master Therion it creates Vivian.[9]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home : Kami in Classic Texts : Futodama". eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
- ^ Aston, W. G. (2015-11-16). Shinto - The Ancient Religion of Japan. Read Books Ltd. ISBN 978-1-4733-7719-6.
- ^ Aston, William George (1905). Shinto, the Way of the Gods. Longmans, Green. p. 184. ISBN 9780524006801.
- ^ "Amaterasu". Mythopedia. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
- ^ Bocking, Brian (2005-09-30). A Popular Dictionary of Shinto. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-135-79738-6.
- ^ Ponsonby-Fane, R. A. B. (2014-06-03). Studies In Shinto & Shrines. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-136-89294-3.
- ^ Fr?d?ric, Louis; Louis-Frédéric (2002). Japan Encyclopedia. Harvard University Press. ISBN 978-0-674-01753-5.
- ^ "Kotodamaya - Amatsu Jinja". www.kotodamaya.com (in Japanese). 21 January 2009. Retrieved 2021-08-17.
- ^ Shin Megami Tensei IV - Strategy Guide. Gamer Guides. 7 November 2015. ISBN 9781631027192.