The Eighty Deities (Yasogami): Rivals of the Great Land Master
Japan is often referred to as the land of eight million gods (Yaoyorozu no Kami). Within this vast pantheon, few groups illustrate the virtues of kindness versus arrogance quite like the Yasogami, or the “Eighty Deities.” These mythological figures serve as the antagonists in one of Japan’s most beloved origin stories, set against the backdrop of the ancient Izumo province.
For the cultural traveler, understanding the Eighty Deities is essential to appreciating the deep history of the San’in region (Tottori and Shimane prefectures). Their story is not just a fairy tale; it is the foundation of the worship of Okuninushi, the deity of enmusubi (marriage and relationships), and provides the context for some of Japan’s most scenic shrines.
Origins of the Yasogami
The term Yasogami (八十神) translates literally to “Eighty Gods,” though in ancient Japanese, the number eighty was often used metaphorically to mean “many” or “multitudinous.” These deities are the brothers of Okuninushi (then known as Onamuchi), the eventual ruler of the land and the primary deity of the Great Izumo Shrine.
According to Shinto lineage, they are descendants of Susanoo, the storm god. While they possessed divine power, the myths characterize them as petty, jealous, and cruel. They represent the chaotic and competitive forces that had to be pacified or overcome by a benevolent ruler to establish order in the land. Unlike the singular, revered nature of Okuninushi, the Yasogami act as a collective force of antagonism, driving the narrative forward through their rivalry.
The Legend: The White Hare and the Rivals
The most famous appearance of the Eighty Deities is found in the tale of the White Hare of Inaba (Inaba no Shiro Usagi). This story is pivotal in Japanese folklore and serves as the primary character study for the deities.
The Journey to Inaba
The legend begins when the Yasogami decide to court Princess Yakami (Yagami-hime) of Inaba province. They force their youngest brother, Okuninushi, to act as their baggage carrier, treating him like a servant. Weighed down by a heavy sack, Okuninushi trails far behind the group.
The Cruelty of the Eighty Deities
Upon reaching Cape Keta, the brothers encounter a rabbit that has been flayed (skinned alive) by sharks (or wani) after a failed attempt to trick them. Suffering in agony, the rabbit asks for help. The Eighty Deities, amused by the creature’s pain, offer cruel advice: “Bathe in the salty sea and dry yourself in the wind.” This, of course, causes the rabbit excruciating pain as the salt stings its raw skin and the wind cracks it.
The Kindness of Okuninushi
When Okuninushi arrives later, he finds the weeping rabbit. Unlike his brothers, he offers genuine medical advice: “Wash in the fresh water of the river and roll in the pollen of the cattails.” The rabbit heals and regains its white fur. In gratitude, the rabbit makes a prophecy: “Your brothers shall not win the Princess. Though you carry the bag, you shall be the one to marry her.”
The Wrath of the Brothers
The prophecy comes true—Princess Yakami chooses Okuninushi. Enraged and humiliated, the Eighty Deities conspire to kill their brother. They try burning him with a red-hot boulder rolled down a mountain and crushing him in a split tree. Each time, Okuninushi is revived by his mother or other heavenly deities, eventually fleeing to the underworld to gain the strength to defeat his brothers once and for all.
Modern Culture and Symbolism
In contemporary Japan, the Yasogami are often viewed as cautionary archetypes. They symbolize the destructive nature of jealousy and the idea that power without compassion is unworthy of leadership. Conversely, Okuninushi’s triumph represents the victory of benevolence and wisdom.
Culturally, the story of the Eighty Deities and the rabbit is ubiquitous in the San’in region. You will find motifs of white rabbits on everything from omamori (amulets) to sweet bean cakes. The myth has also permeated pop culture, influencing characters in anime and RPGs where “multitudes of rival gods” appear as obstacles for the hero to overcome.
Traveler’s Tips: Tracing the Myth
If you wish to walk the path of the myths, a trip to the San’in region is mandatory. Here are the top spots to connect with the legend of the Eighty Deities:
1. Hakuto Shrine (Tottori Prefecture)
Located along the beautiful coast of Tottori, this shrine is dedicated to the White Hare. It is a popular power spot for lovers hoping to bind their fate, much like Okuninushi and the Princess. You can buy rabbit-shaped votive tablets and see the very coast where the Yasogami supposedly met the creature.
2. Izumo Taisha (Shimane Prefecture)
One of Japan’s oldest and most important shrines. This is the seat of Okuninushi. Walking the grounds, you will see iconic bronze statues depicting the moment Okuninushi helped the rabbit while his brothers walked ahead. It is the ultimate destination to understand the victory of the “Great Land Master” over his eighty rivals.
3. Keta Shrine (Toyama/Ishikawa area)
While there are various claims to the location of “Cape Keta,” shrines bearing this name often have deep connections to the path the brothers took during their courtship journey.
Sources & Further Reading
To fully grasp the narrative of the Eighty Deities, one must look to Japan’s oldest historical chronicles. These texts blend history with mythology to legitimize the imperial lineage and the structure of the cosmos.
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters, 712 AD): This text contains the most detailed and famous account of the White Hare of Inaba and the rivalry between Okuninushi and the Yasogami.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan, 720 AD): Provides alternative versions of the myths and offers a more historical approach to the lineage of the gods.
- Izumo no Kuni Fudoki: An ancient report on the culture and geography of Izumo province, offering local context to the myths that differs slightly from the imperial narrative found in the Kojiki.