The cave episode from Japan’s mythical history

Abstract

First, cocks crowed; then there was singing and rhythmic thumping. Riotous laughter exploded in the night. It sounded like a predawn party, but how could that be? No dawn was expected, nor was there cause for mirth. Since the sun had gone into hiding, constant night reigned; the distressed cries of the myriad deities were abundant like summer flies, and calamities were rife. Yet, despite all the doom and gloom, something cheerful was at hand. She opened a chink in the rock, peeped out, and asked why there was cheering. The deities rejoice, she was told, because a deity greater than the sun goddess was among them. Frankly puzzled now, she pushed aside the bolder that blocked the entry to the cave, came out cautiously, and watched. There was, indeed, this brilliant lady standing before her—a dazzling person very much like herself, really. She also saw the cause of all the mirth: a spirited deity, who had bared her breasts and exposed her genitals, danced quite entranced— and stomped her feet rhythmically—on an upturned tub. Amaterasu, ever more puzzled, came forth to get a better view. Quickly, someone blocked the entry to the cave; there was no retreat now. Sunlight was restored to the world, days and nights resumed their rounds. There was cause for joy and laughter.