This article cites its sources but does not provide page references. You can help providing page numbers for existing citations. (August 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
|
Futodama (布刀玉命) is a god in Japanese mythology, claimed to be the ancestor of Imbe clan, whose characteristics are believed to reflect the functions of the clan as court ritualists.[1]
| Futodama | |
|---|---|
God of Rituals,Oracle and Divination | |
 | |
| Personal information | |
| Parents | Takamimusubi |
| Siblings | Omoikane, Takuhatachiji-hime |
| Children | Kamotaketsunumi no Mikoto |
| Equivalents | |
| Greek equivalent | Phoebe |
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.[2][3]
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.[4] 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.[5]
InKogo shūi, Futodama is placed as the leader of the preformed rituals.[1]
| Takamimusubi | Amaterasu | ||||||||||||||||||
| Futodama | Takuhadachiji-hime | Oshihomimi | |||||||||||||||||
| Inbe clan | Ninigi-no-Mikoto | ||||||||||||||||||
InKogo shūi Futodama is the child of Takuhatachijihime, and grandchild of Takamimusubi.[citation needed] But in many versions he is the son of Takamimusubi and the uncle to Ninigi.[6][1]
Futodama is believed to be enshrined at Awa shrine, where there is a festival to the kami every year on August 10.[7] He is also enshrined at Amatsu Shrine alongside Ninigi and Ame-no-Koyane.[8] The Engi Shiki lists several shrines to Futodama in Izumi Province.[citation needed]
In the Japanese role playing game Shin Megami Tensei IV Futotama is a level 42 demon. Futotama creates other demons when fused; if he is fused with Virtue it creates Israfel, and if Futotama is fused with Master Therion it creates Vivian.[9]