Suseribime: The Bold Goddess of Izumo Mythology
When travelers think of Japanese mythology, they often envision Amaterasu, the sun goddess, or the mischievous storm god, Susanoo. However, deep within the ancient lore of the Izumo region lies the story of a goddess who defines devotion, wit, and fierce independence: Suseribime (Suseri-bime-no-mikoto). Far from a passive figure, she is central to one of Japan’s most dramatic love stories and serves as a powerful symbol of marital bonds.
Introduction
Japanese Shinto mythology is a tapestry woven with threads of tragedy, heroism, and complex relationships. Suseribime stands out as a unique figure in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters). She is not merely a divine princess but a proactive partner who defies her terrifying father to save the man she loves. For cultural enthusiasts and travelers visiting the Shimane Prefecture—the heartland of the gods—understanding Suseribime provides a deeper appreciation of the spiritual landscape. She represents the “En-musubi” (tying of knots/relationships), a concept that draws millions of visitors to shrines across Japan every year.
Origins of the Storm God’s Daughter
Suseribime is the daughter of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the tempestuous brother of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu. After his banishment from the High Heavens, Susanoo descended to Izumo, defeated the eight-headed dragon, and eventually took up residence in Ne-no-Kuni (The Land of Roots or the Underworld).
Her name, “Suseri,” is believed to be derived from the verb susumu (to advance) or implies an impetuous, spirited nature. This etymology perfectly suits her character. Unlike the ethereal and distant kami often depicted in shrines, Suseribime is grounded, passionate, and dangerously clever—traits she likely inherited from her storm-god father.
The Legend: Trials of Love and Strategy
The most famous legend involving Suseribime is the tale of her romance with Okuninushi (then known as Onamuchi), the creator of the land. According to the Kojiki, Okuninushi fled to the Underworld to escape his jealous brothers. There, he met Suseribime, and they fell instantly in love.
However, Susanoo did not approve of the suitor. He subjected Okuninushi to a series of lethal trials, intended to kill him. It was Suseribime’s quick thinking and magical intervention that saved the hero:
- The Room of Snakes: Susanoo forced Okuninushi to sleep in a room filled with vipers. Suseribime gave her lover a magical scarf (hire), instructing him to wave it three times to repel the snakes. He survived.
- The Room of Centipedes and Wasps: The next night, he was placed in a room with stinging insects. Again, Suseribime provided a different scarf to protect him.
- The Burning Field: Susanoo fired a singing arrow into a dry moor and ordered Okuninushi to retrieve it. Once the hero entered the field, Susanoo set it on fire. While Suseribime could not directly intervene here, her support had emboldened him, and a mouse eventually showed him a hole to hide in until the fire passed.
The climax of the legend involves the couple’s escape. While Susanoo slept, they tied his hair to the rafters of his palace and stole his sword, bow, and celestial Koto (harp). As they fled, the Koto brushed against a tree, waking the storm god. Impressed by their audacity and his daughter’s devotion, Susanoo chased them to the border of the underworld and bestowed his blessing, commanding Okuninushi to make Suseribime his chief wife (Seishitsu).
Modern Culture and Significance
In modern Japan, Suseribime is revered alongside her husband as a deity of matchmaking and household harmony. While Okuninushi is known for having multiple wives in the myths, Suseribime is explicitly recognized as the legal, primary wife. This has given her a reputation for being somewhat jealous, but also fiercely protective of her family unit.
Culturally, she represents the archetype of the “Yamato Nadeshiko” with a twist—she is supportive but possesses a steel spine. In Kagura (traditional Shinto theatrical dance) performed in the Shimane region, the story of their escape from the underworld is a popular and energetic performance, often featuring dramatic masks and fast-paced music.
Traveler’s Tips: Where to Pay Respects
If you are planning a cultural pilgrimage to Japan, the Izumo region in Shimane Prefecture is the place to connect with Suseribime.
- Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine): While the main hall is dedicated to Okuninushi, there are sub-shrines within the complex and nearby that honor Suseribime. This is one of Japan’s oldest and most important shrines.
- Susa Shrine: Located in Izumo city, this shrine is dedicated to Susanoo but maintains deep connections to his lineage. The atmosphere here is ancient and mystical, often cited as a “power spot.”
- Experience Kagura: Try to catch an Iwami Kagura performance while in Shimane. Seeing the “Orochi” (dragon) or stories of Okuninushi performed live brings the static mythology to life.
Etiquette Note: When visiting these shrines, remember the unique worship style of Izumo Taisha: bow twice, clap four times (instead of the usual two), and bow once.
Sources & Further Reading
For those wishing to delve deeper into the primary sources of these legends, the following historical texts are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): The oldest extant chronicle in Japan (712 AD). The story of Suseribime and the trials in the Underworld is detailed in the middle volume.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Completed in 720 AD, this text offers alternative versions of many myths, though the Suseribime narrative is most vibrant in the Kojiki.
- Izumo no Kuni Fudoki: An ancient record of the culture and geography of the Izumo province, providing local context to the national myths.