Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto (月読命), often shortened to Tsukuyomi or Tsuki-yomi, is a lunar deity in Japanese mythology and the Shinto religion. The name "Tsukuyomi" is a combination of "Tsuku" (月, "moon, month") and "yomi" (読み, "reading, counting"). Another interpretation is that "Tsukuyomi" is a combination of "Tsuki" (月, "moon, month") and "yomi" (黄泉, "Yomi", the underworld).
Origins: Tsukuyomi is born from the right eye of Izanagi, one of the creator deities, when he purifies himself after visiting Yomi, the underworld. This origin places Tsukuyomi alongside Amaterasu (born from Izanagi's left eye) and Susanoo (born from Izanagi's nose) as one of the three most important deities in Shinto.
Role: As a lunar deity, Tsukuyomi governs the night and is associated with the moon, nighttime, and the cycles of the moon. However, unlike Amaterasu, who is a central figure in many myths, Tsukuyomi's role in mythology is less prominent and more enigmatic.
Legends: The most famous myth involving Tsukuyomi is his conflict with Ukemochi, the goddess of food. According to the legend, Tsukuyomi was sent by Amaterasu to represent her at a feast given by Ukemochi. Disgusted by the way Ukemochi creates food (by extracting it from her nose, mouth, and other orifices), Tsukuyomi kills her. This act angers Amaterasu, who refuses to ever face Tsukuyomi again, which is why the sun and moon are never seen together. This myth explains the origin of the sun and moon's separation and highlights the consequences of Tsukuyomi's actions.
Characteristics: Tsukuyomi is often portrayed as a calm and composed deity, contrasting with the passionate and sometimes violent nature of Susanoo. However, the Tsukuyomi's act of killing Ukemochi shows that the deity is capable of strong actions.
Worship: Shrines dedicated to Tsukuyomi exist throughout Japan, although they are less common than those dedicated to Amaterasu or Susanoo. The Ise Grand Shrine has a sub-shrine dedicated to Tsukuyomi, and the deity is also worshipped at other locations throughout the country.
In modern interpretations and pop culture, Tsukuyomi continues to be referenced as a symbol of the moon, the night, and the complexities of Japanese mythology.
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