Japanese mythology, Davis retelling
Ama-terasu's Retreat into the Cave
After Susa-no-o disrupts her fields and Weaving Hall, Ama-terasu secures herself inside a cave. Darkness spreads through the world, and the gods assemble to plan her return. They arrange an entertainment outside the cave, where Uzume's dance and their laughter prompt the goddess to look out.
Also known as Sun Goddess's Cave · Ama-terasu's Return · Amaterasu cave
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In the sources
Withdrawal and darkness
TraditionalDavis links the retreat to Susa-no-o's attacks on Ama-terasu's rice-fields and his intrusion into the Weaving Hall. Once she enters the cave, the world is dark and the alternation of night and day is unknown.
An entertainment at the cave
TraditionalThe gods hang jewels and a mirror on the True Sakaki Tree. Uzume dances on an overturned tub, the gods laugh, and Ama-terasu emerges in response to the unusual proceedings.
Context & interpretation
This is a traditional mythic encounter as retold by Davis, not a dated historical event or a verified eclipse report. The account is kept separate from a claim that it explains any particular astronomical occurrence. Its artwork depicts the gathering and performance described in the narrative.
Original passages
Source 1
Myths and Legends of Japan
Now the world was in darknessOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Chapter I, printed p. 27
Read directly from the active prepared scan; line breaks and spacing normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0052-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0052-E001-P0028
- Original scan leaf
- 33
- Recorded leaf number
- 33
- Current Reader position
- 27
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Source 2
Myths and Legends of Japan
the Eighty Myriads of Gods began to roar with laughter.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
