Futodama

Futodama (布刀玉命) 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.[1][2]

Futodama
ParentsTakamimusubi

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.[1][3][4]

Myths

After Susanoo accidentally killed one of Amaterasu's attendants in her weaving hall. She got upset and locked herself in Amano-Iwato causing the world to plunge into darkness, so Omoikane and other gods came up with a plan to get her out.[5]

Futodama and Amenokoyane 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.[6]

In Kogo shūi, Futodama is placed as the leader of the preformed rituals.[2]

Family

TakamimusubiAmaterasu
FutodamaTakuhadachiji-hime Oshihomimi
Inbe clanNinigi-no-Mikoto

In Kogo shūi Futodama is the child of Takuhatachijihime, and grandchild of Takamimusubi. But in many versions he is the son of Takamimusubi and the uncle to Ninigi.[7][2]

Worship

Futodama is believed to be enshrined at Awa shrine. Where there is a festival to the kami every year on August 10.[8] He is also enshrined at Amatsu Shrine alongside Ninigi and Ame-no-Koyane.[9] The Engi Shiki lists several shrines to Futodama in Izumi Province.[1]

In the Japanese role playing game Shin Megami Tensei IV Futotama is a level 42 demon. Futotama created other demons when fused, if he is fused with Virtue it creates Israfel. If Futotama is fused with Master Therion it creates Vivian.[10]

References

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