Susanoo vs. The Serpent: Decoding Japan’s Flood Control Myth
Japan is a land shaped by the forces of nature—volcanoes, typhoons, and raging rivers. In Japanese folklore, these forces are often personified as kami (gods) or yokai (monsters). One of the most famous legends, the story of Susanoo-no-Mikoto slaying the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi, is more than just an exciting heroic tale. Historians and civil engineers alike interpret it as an ancient allegory for distinct geological events: the struggle of early civilization to master flood control and iron production.
Origins of the Storm God
Susanoo-no-Mikoto is one of the central figures in Shinto mythology. Born from the nose of the creator god Izanagi, Susanoo was designated the ruler of the seas and storms. However, his tempestuous nature led to his banishment from the High Plain of Heaven (Takamagahara).
According to the ancient chronicles, Susanoo descended to earth, landing in the province of Izumo (modern-day Shimane Prefecture). This region, historically isolated by mountains and facing the Sea of Japan, is known as the “Land of the Gods.” It is here, along the banks of the Hii River, that the intersection of mythology and ancient civil engineering takes place.
The Legend: Slaying Yamata-no-Orochi
Upon arriving at the Hii River, Susanoo encountered an elderly couple weeping. They explained that for seven years, a terrifying beast named Yamata-no-Orochi had come to devour one of their daughters. Now, it was time for their eighth and final daughter, Kushinada-hime, to be sacrificed.
The monster was described as having eight heads and eight tails, with eyes red like winter cherries. Its massive body was covered in moss and cedar, spanning eight valleys and eight peaks. Its belly was always bloody and inflamed.
Susanoo struck a deal: he would slay the beast in exchange for Kushinada-hime’s hand in marriage. He instructed the couple to build a fence with eight gates and place a vat of strong sake (rice wine) at each gate. When the serpent arrived, each of its eight heads drank greedily from the vats. As the beast fell into a drunken stupor, Susanoo drew his sword and hacked the monster to pieces, turning the Hii River red with blood. inside the serpent’s tail, he discovered the legendary sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, which became one of the Imperial Regalia of Japan.
Decoding the Myth: Ancient Flood Control
While the story serves as a hero’s journey, the “Susanoo Flood Control Myth” theory suggests the narrative is a metaphor for the natural environment of the Izumo region.
The Serpent as a River
Scholars argue that Yamata-no-Orochi represents the Hii River itself. The river was notorious for violent flooding. The “eight heads” likely symbolize the river’s many tributaries. When the river flooded, it would twist and turn like a snake, destroying rice paddies and claiming lives—metaphorically “devouring daughters.”
The Bloody Belly and Iron Sand
The description of the serpent’s belly being “bloody and inflamed” refers to the high iron content of the water. The Hii River region is famous for Tatara iron smelting, which uses iron sand found in the riverbed. The process of washing iron sand turned the water a murky red, resembling blood. Furthermore, the deforestation required for charcoal to fuel the smelters destabilized the soil, leading to more frequent flash floods.
The Conquest as Engineering
Susanoo’s victory over the serpent symbolizes the success of early hydraulic engineering. By constructing embankments and managing the tributaries (cutting the heads), the ancient people of Izumo tamed the chaotic river. The discovery of the sword in the tail represents the acquisition of iron resources, which were only possible to harvest effectively once the water flow was controlled.
Modern Culture and Legacy
Today, the legacy of this myth permeates Japanese culture. The battle is a staple performance in Iwami Kagura, a dynamic traditional Shinto dance native to the region. In these performances, the Orochi is a massive, serpentine costume that breathes smoke, dazzling audiences with the dramatic retelling of flood control as a divine battle.
Furthermore, the term Chisui (flood control) remains a vital concept in Japanese governance, often invoking the spirit of Susanoo. The myth reminds modern citizens that living in harmony with Japan’s lush but volatile geography requires vigilance and respect for nature.
Traveler’s Tips: Visiting the Land of Myth
For travelers interested in walking the path of Susanoo, Shimane Prefecture offers a deep dive into this ancient lore.
- Izumo Taisha: While dedicated to Okuninushi (Susanoo’s descendant), this is the spiritual heart of the region and essential for understanding the atmosphere of the “Land of the Gods.”
- Susa Shrine: Located in Izumo, this shrine is dedicated specifically to Susanoo and is said to be the location where his spirit rests.
- The Hii River: You can visit the actual river believed to be the serpent. In spring, the banks are lined with cherry blossoms, offering a peaceful contrast to its violent mythological history.
- Visit in Autumn: Try to visit during Kamiari-zuki (usually November), the month when Shinto gods are believed to gather in Izumo.
Sources & Further Reading
To delve deeper into the original texts of these myths, consider reading the following historical chronicles:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Japan’s oldest surviving chronicle (712 AD), which details the age of the gods.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Completed in 720 AD, offering a slightly different variation of the Susanoo legend.
- Izumo no Kuni Fudoki: An ancient report on the culture and geography of the Izumo province, providing local context to the myths.