#the kami

[worldofjapanesegodsandgodde-blog]

About the Kami

The gods and goddesses in Japanese mythology typically explain or represent natural phenomena; however, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as Hachiman, the god of war. These gods and goddesses are also called “kami,” which means “deities.” Despite most kami belonging to Shintoism, the native Japanese mythology, the influence of Buddhism and agricultural folklore have contributed characteristics to or even changed some deities.

Kami typically have long names that are shortened for convenience. For example, the sun goddess’ full name is Amaterasu Omikami, but her name is usually shortened to Amaterasu.

Interestingly, not all kami are born as kami. Some myths tell of special humans who died and became divine.

Japanese gods and goddesses have extremely long lifespans and age remarkably slowly, so much so that most people would mistake them for immortal. While their bodies are much more durable and stronger than humans’, they are still able to die if harmed enough.

Along with superhuman strength, most deities have special abilities that are specific to them. Also, kami have both physical and emotional flaws akin to humans’.

Source:

Leeming, David Adams and Oxford University Press. The Oxford Companion to World Mythology. Oxford University Press, 2005.

[kamizo]

The universe, the earth and thus humans, were created so that we would create a meaning out of nothing. We were made to create meaning out of the nothingness of space.

the kami c: