Suseribime: The Fierce Goddess Behind Izumo’s Great Lord
When travelers imagine Japanese Shinto goddesses, they often picture the radiant Amaterasu, the sun goddess. However, deep within the ancient mythology of the Izumo region lies a deity of profound strength, passion, and magic: Suseribime (須勢理毘売). Far from being a passive figure, she is the spirited daughter of the storm god Susanoo and the formidable wife of Okuninushi, the Great Lord of Izumo.
For cultural enthusiasts and travelers heading to Shimane Prefecture, understanding Suseribime adds a layer of romantic depth and mythological intrigue to the ancient shrines of western Japan.
Origins and Lineage
Suseribime appears primarily in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters), Japan’s oldest historical record. She is born of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the wild and impetuous storm god, after his banishment to Ne-no-kuni (often interpreted as the Land of Roots or the Underworld). Unlike the celestial deities of the High Plain of Heaven, Suseribime represents the earthly, darker, and more primal powers associated with the Izumo lineage.
Her name implies a dynamic energy; she is not just a princess but a deity capable of wielding magic and defying her terrifying father to protect the one she loves. She is the archetype of the “supportive but dangerous” wife—loyal to a fault but known for a jealous streak that commands respect.
The Legend: Love and Trials in the Underworld
The most famous story involving Suseribime is the epic tale of her romance with Okuninushi (then known as Onamuchi). Fleeing his malicious brothers, Okuninushi sought refuge in Ne-no-kuni, where he encountered Suseribime. They fell in love instantly, exchanging glances and vows before he even met her father.
The Trials of Susanoo
When Susanoo discovered the intruder, he subjected Okuninushi to a series of lethal trials. It was here that Suseribime’s power shone. She did not merely wait to be rescued; she was the savior.
- The Room of Snakes: Susanoo threw Okuninushi into a room filled with vipers. Suseribime secretly gave her lover a magical scarf, instructing him to wave it three times to repel the snakes. He survived.
- The Room of Centipedes and Wasps: The next night, Susanoo placed him in a room of stinging insects. Again, Suseribime provided a second magical scarf, ensuring his safety.
- The Whistling Arrow: Finally, Susanoo fired an arrow into a burning moor and ordered Okuninushi to retrieve it. While Suseribime could not directly intervene in the fire, her support had emboldened Okuninushi, who was saved by a mouse.
The Great Escape
While Susanoo slept, Suseribime and Okuninushi tied the storm god’s hair to the rafters of his palace. They stole his sword, his bow, and his heavenly Koto (harp) and fled. When Susanoo awoke and untangled himself, he chased them to the border of the underworld. Impressed by their audacity and his daughter’s choice, he shouted a blessing-curse after them, acknowledging Okuninushi as the Lord of the Land and commanding him to make Suseribime his chief wife.
Modern Culture and Worship
Today, Suseribime is revered alongside her husband as a deity of En-musubi (marriage and matchmaking). While Okuninushi is the face of the famous Izumo Taisha, Suseribime’s presence is vital to the shrine’s spiritual ecosystem. She represents the bond of marriage that endures hardship.
In modern pop culture and anime retelling of myths, she is often depicted as a “Yandere” character—intensely loving but terrifyingly jealous if betrayed. This stems from ancient poems where Okuninushi, a known playboy, has to soothe her jealousy with romantic verse, proving that even the Great Lord of Izumo feared and respected his chief wife.
Traveler’s Tips: Visiting Suseribime
If you are planning a trip to the San’in region to trace the footsteps of these deities, here is how to find her.
1. Izumo Taisha (Shimane Prefecture)
While the main hall is dedicated to Okuninushi, Suseribime is enshrined in the Soga-no-yashiro (Soga Shrine), a small auxiliary shrine located directly behind the main sanctuary. It is said to be the spot closest to the deity in the entire complex.
- Tip: When praying at Izumo Taisha, the custom is distinct from other shrines: bow twice, clap four times, and bow once.
2. Kamosu Shrine (Shimane Prefecture)
Located near Matsue, this shrine is a National Treasure and features architectural styles older than Izumo Taisha. It is deeply connected to the creation myths of the region and honors the family of deities associated with Izumo.
3. Local Souvenirs
Look for En-musubi charms (omamori) in Shimane. Many are designed as pairs, symbolizing the bond between Suseribime and Okuninushi. They make excellent gifts for couples.
Sources & Further Reading
For those wishing to delve deeper into the classical texts describing Suseribime, the following historical records are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): The primary source of the romance and trials in Ne-no-kuni.
- The Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan): Offers alternative variations of the Izumo myths.
- Izumo no Kuni Fudoki: An ancient gazetteer describing the culture and geography of the Izumo province specifically.