the myth of Amaterasu and the creation myth are closely related--so if you ever tell this story about Amaterasu you should say the creation myth also.
Amaterasu Omikami is the principal Japanese (deity) god.
She is the sun goddess, the Great Goddess or Mother Goddess responsible for fetility.
and ruler of all gods and universe
she represent the important roles of women in early Japanese life
they were warriors, rulers, and seers
the myth explains: the separation between the sun and the moon
the origin of food on earth
the beginning of agriculture and the silk worm industry
they believed if you didn't treat Amaterasu with respect she would stop shining the sun and we humans would start to wither and die
that's why this optimistic view of nature was supported by the abundance of plant life, wild animals, and fish in Japan at the time the myth was created
next lesson will be one Kotan Utunnai (the Ainu)
