Yomotsu Hirasaka
In Japanese mythology, Yomotsu Hirasaka is a slope or boundary between this world, where the living live, and the other world, where the dead live (Yomi).
Overview
The myth, which holds that there is a boundary place between the realms where the living and the dead live, is an idea that is shared by the Sanzu River and others, and can be found throughout the World. In Japanese mythology, Yomotsuhirasaka is thought to be an impression from the stone structure of kofun and the road leading to the stone chamber that housed the coffin.
In Kojiki, it appears twice in the upper part of the book, and there is a tradition that it is located at Ifuyasaka in Izumo Province.[1] The word "hira" is said to mean "cliff".[2]
It is also said to be related to the idea of exorcism.
The goddess
It also appears in the story of Okuninushi's visit to the Root Country. In this story, Ouanamuchi (later Okuninushi) is put to various trials by Susanoo of Ne no Kuni, and escapes to Hiraizaka with his beloved Suseribime.
Places of connection
According to "Unyo Shishi" written in Edo period, there is also a legend of Izanagi throwing peach fruits to the god of thunder at Komakaerizaka in Iwasaka, Matsue City.[2]
The legend of Kukurihime
In a note in Nihon Shoki, it is said that Kukurihime mediated between Izanami and Izanagi, who were arguing on Yomotsuhirasaka. For this reason, Kukurihime is regarded as the god of marriage and harmony.
In popular culture
Yomotsu Hirasaka appears in the manga and anime series
Yomotsu Hirasaka is a region in Persona 4.
Yomotsu Hirasaka is mentioned in the penultimate episode of season 1 of the Apple TV+ series Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and is implied to be a doorway to the series' alternate parallel world inhabited by kaiju.
See also
- Kunado-no-Kami
- Pyramid
- Ziggurat
- Ploutonion - A general term for entrances to the underworld. Many of them are places where poisonous gases are spewed.
- Aornum
- Avernus
References
External links
- 古事記「黄泉比良坂」(小学国史物語; 2) / 新免忠著 (紅玉堂書店, 1926)
- 出雲神話「黄泉比良坂」後藤蔵四郎著 (島根県教育会事務所, 1938)
- 古事記精選 : 高等国文「根堅洲國」佐野保太郎編 (育英書院, 1941)
- 古事記物語「根堅洲國」三宅房子著 (金の星社, 1938)