Tsukuyomi is a prominent figure in Japanese mythology and is known as the god of the moon. He is often depicted as a dark figure with long hair and green eyes, reflecting his connection to the natural world. Tsukuyomi is known for his strict adherence to etiquette and order, which is reflected in his stoic personality.
The name Tsukuyomi is a compound of the Old Japanese words “tsuku” (moon, month) and “yomi” (reading, counting), which reflects his association with the moon. Tsukuyomi is also known as Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto and Tsukiyomi. He is the estranged husband of the sun goddess Amaterasu and spends eternity chasing her across the sky. Tsukuyomi is a proud deity of order and beauty and is often described as a deity of great power.
In Japanese mythology, Tsukuyomi is a part of the Shinto religion and is known for his unique attributes. He is the brother of Susanoo, the god of the sea and storms, and Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun. He is also known for killing Toyoukebime, the goddess of food, which led to his estrangement from Amaterasu. Tsukuyomi’s family tree is an essential part of his mythology, and his relationships with other deities play a significant role in his story.
Overview
Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, also known as Tsukuyomi, is the god of the moon in Japanese mythology. He is one of the three children of the god Izanagi and the goddess Izanami, along with his siblings Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, and Susanoo, the god of storms.
Significance in Japanese Mythology
Tsukuyomi’s role as the god of the moon reflects his connection to the cycles of nature, and he has been associated with agriculture and hunting. In mythology, he is often portrayed as a proud and independent deity, and his relationship with his sister Amaterasu is strained. According to legend, Tsukuyomi killed the goddess Uke Mochi, who had prepared a feast for him, and this act of violence led to his separation from Amaterasu.
Cultural Impact
Tsukuyomi’s story has had a significant impact on Japanese culture and mythology. He is often depicted in art and literature, and his name has been used in various forms of media, including anime and video games. In addition, Tsukuyomi has been the subject of various festivals and rituals throughout Japan, and his influence can still be felt in modern Japanese society.
Etymology
Linguistic Origins
The name Tsukuyomi is derived from the Old Japanese words ‘tsuku’ meaning ‘moon’ and ‘yomi’ meaning ‘reading’ or ‘counting’. The name was later simplified to ‘Tsukiyomi’ or simply ‘Tsukuyomi’.
Historical Context
Tsukuyomi is a prominent figure in Japanese mythology and Shinto religion. He is the god of the moon and is often depicted as a dark figure with long hair. The moon has been a significant part of Japanese culture and mythology for centuries, and Tsukuyomi’s role as the god of the moon reflects this.
The origins of Tsukuyomi’s name and his association with the moon are rooted in ancient Japanese beliefs and traditions. The moon was believed to have a powerful influence on the natural world, and Tsukuyomi’s role as the god of the moon reflects this belief.
Overall, Tsukuyomi’s name and association with the moon have deep roots in Japanese culture and mythology, and continue to be an important part of Japanese folklore to this day.
Attributes
Iconography
Tsukuyomi is typically depicted as a dark figure with long hair, often dressed in traditional Japanese clothing. In some depictions, he is shown holding a bow and arrow, which is said to represent his role as a hunter and protector of the moon. Additionally, he is sometimes portrayed with green eyes, which symbolize his connection to the natural world.
Powers and Abilities
As the god of the moon, Tsukuyomi possesses a number of unique powers and abilities. He is said to have the ability to control the tides and the phases of the moon, as well as the power to grant blessings of beauty and order. Additionally, Tsukuyomi is known for his strict adherence to etiquette and order, which is reflected in his stoic personality.
In Japanese mythology, Tsukuyomi is also known for his legendary speed and agility, which he uses to chase after his estranged wife, the sun goddess Amaterasu. Despite their tumultuous relationship, Tsukuyomi remains a proud and powerful deity, revered for his role in maintaining balance and harmony in the natural world.
Family Tree
Ancestry
Tsukuyomi, the moon god in Japanese mythology, is the brother of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and Susanoo, the god of storms and sea. According to the Shinto creation myth, Tsukuyomi was born from the right eye of the primordial god Izanagi when he washed his face after visiting the underworld.
Descendants
Tsukuyomi had one son, Ame-no-Oshihomimi, who was born from his union with his wife Amaterasu. Ame-no-Oshihomimi is known for his role in the myth of the descent of the heavenly grandchild, in which he travels to the underworld to retrieve the sun goddess from her hiding place.
Overall, Tsukuyomi’s family tree is relatively small compared to other gods in Japanese mythology, but his relationships with his siblings and his son played important roles in shaping the world and the myths that surround it.
Mythology
Tales and Legends
Tsukuyomi is a prominent figure in Japanese mythology, known as the god of the moon. According to legend, he was born from the right eye of the creator god, Izanagi, and was sent to rule over the night. Tsukuyomi’s most famous tale is his encounter with the sun goddess, Amaterasu. It is said that Tsukuyomi killed a food goddess during a banquet hosted by Amaterasu, causing her to become enraged and flee to a cave, plunging the world into darkness. It was only when the other gods performed a dance outside the cave that Amaterasu was lured out and light was restored to the world.
Another famous story involving Tsukuyomi is the tale of the rabbit on the moon. In this legend, Tsukuyomi meets a rabbit who lives on the moon and is tasked with pounding rice cakes. The rabbit invites Tsukuyomi to join him, but he declines, citing the rabbit’s dirty fur as the reason. The rabbit becomes angry and throws the rice pounder at Tsukuyomi, causing a mark to appear on the moon.
Worship and Rituals
Tsukuyomi was worshipped throughout Japan during the pre-modern era, and many Shinto shrines were dedicated to him. He was often associated with the night, and his worship was closely tied to agricultural cycles. During the harvest season, offerings of rice and other crops were made to Tsukuyomi in hopes of a bountiful harvest. In addition, Tsukuyomi was believed to have the power to control the tides, and fishermen would often pray to him for a successful catch.
One of the most famous rituals associated with Tsukuyomi is the Tsukimi, or moon-viewing festival. This festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, and it is believed that the moon is at its fullest and brightest on this day. During the festival, people gather to view the moon and offer rice dumplings and sake to Tsukuyomi. The festival is also a time for poetry and music, and it has been celebrated in Japan for over a thousand years.