Futodama () or Futotama is a god in Japanese mythology, claimed to be the ancestor of Inbe clan, whose characteristics are believed to reflect the functions of the clan as court ritualists.
Name and etymology
The god is known as Ame-no-Futodama-no-Mikoto (天太玉命) or Futodama (布刀玉, 太玉) for short. His name is speculated to mean great gift or offering.
Myths
After Susanoo accidentally killed one of
Amaterasu attendants in her weaving hall, she got upset and locked herself in
Ama-no-Iwato, causing the world to plunge into darkness. After almost a year of chaos, Omoikane and the other gods came up with a plan to get her out.
Futodama and
Ame-no-Koyane were tasked with performing a
divination. After
Amaterasu left the cave, Futodama used a
shimenawa to prevent her from going back to the cave again. This story is said to be the mythical origin of
shimenawa.
In the Kogo Shūi, Futodama is placed as the leader of the performed rituals.
Family
In the
Kogo Shūi, Futodama is recorded as the son of
Takamimusubi, and brother of Takuhadachiji-hime and Ame-no-Oshihi-no-Mikoto.
Worship
Futodama is believed to be enshrined at
Awa Shrine, where there is a festival to the kami every year on August 10.
He is also enshrined at
Amatsu Shrine alongside
Ninigi and
Ame-no-Koyane.
The
Engishiki lists several shrines to Futodama in
Izumi Province.
Popular culture
Futodama appears as a demon in the Japanese role playing game
Shin Megami Tensei IV.
