Japanese mythology, Davis retelling
Ama-terasu
Davis introduces Ama-terasu as the beautiful Sun Goddess sent up the Ladder of Heaven to shine upon the earth. Her withdrawal into a cave interrupts that light, and the gods gather to persuade her to return. Uzume's dance and the gods' laughter awaken her curiosity, bringing her out into the world again.
Also known as Amaterasu · Sun Goddess
Loading your archive…
In the sources
A goddess sent to illuminate the earth
TraditionalDavis describes Ama-terasu's parents sending her up the Ladder of Heaven to cast her sunshine on the earth. His account calls her Heaven-Illumine-of-Great-Deity.
The return of sunlight
TraditionalAt the cave, the gods arrange jewels, a mirror and an entertainment. Uzume dances, the assembly laughs, and Ama-terasu peeps forth, restoring the world's light in the retelling.
Context & interpretation
This entry follows F. Hadland Davis's English retelling, including his account of the goddess's birth and family. It is not a direct translation of the Kojiki or Nihongi, or a survey of present-day Shinto worship. Evelyn Paul's Uzume illustration belongs to the cave episode and is not an isolated portrait of Ama-terasu.
Original passages
Source 1
Myths and Legends of Japan
Ama-terasu, the Sun Goddess, was born.Open this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Chapter I, printed p. 23
Read directly from the active prepared scan; line breaks and spacing normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0052-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0052-E001-P0024
- Original scan leaf
- 29
- Recorded leaf number
- 29
- Current Reader position
- 23
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Source 2
Myths and Legends of Japan
Once more the world became golden with her presence.Open this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Chapter I, printed p. 28
Read directly from the active prepared scan; line breaks and spacing normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0052-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0052-E001-P0029
- Original scan leaf
- 34
- Recorded leaf number
- 34
- Current Reader position
- 28
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Illustrations
Continue exploring
Ama-terasu's Retreat into the Cave
The mythic episode in which the Sun Goddess withdraws and an assembly of gods draws her back into the light.
Shared source pageYomi
The dark land entered by Izanami and visited by Izanagi in Davis's retelling of the Japanese creation myths.
Same subject and traditionSusa-no-o
The deity who defeats an eight-forked serpent and discovers a divine sword in Davis's myth cycle.