Izanagi & Izanami
The creator gods parted by death
The gods Izanagi and Izanami together created the islands of Japan; when Izanami died giving birth to fire, Izanagi descended to the underworld to find her, but broke his promise not to look at her and lost her forever.
01Why it matters
It is the founding Shinto myth and the Japanese version of the descent for love, sister to that of Orpheus.
02The conflict
Izanami's death and the forbidden gaze in the underworld.
03The iconic moment
Izanagi sealing the underworld's entrance with a boulder.
04What survived
The "Kojiki"; the Shinto cosmology of Japan.
05Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of Izanagi & Izanami famous?
It is the founding Shinto myth and the Japanese version of the descent for love, sister to that of Orpheus.
How does the story of Izanagi & Izanami end?
Izanagi sealing the underworld's entrance with a boulder. The "Kojiki"; the Shinto cosmology of Japan.
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