 "As the god of Sumiyoshi guides you in the dream, set sail and depart this bay at once." (Chapter of Suma, "the Tale of Genji") |
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[The Sumiyoshi Shrine] This shrine enshrines three gods, Sokotsutsuonomikoto, Nakatsutsuonomikoto, and Omotetsutsuonomikoto, who were born out of the bottom of the sea, with Sokotsuwadatsuminomikoto when Izanaminomikoto returned from the land of the dead and made his ablutions. The three gods were unified and enshrined in Settsu Sumiyoshi, and they were called Suminoenomisakino okami, or the three gods of Sumiyoshi. They were the gods of the sea, of the dragon, and the guardian god of safe voyages. The gentle souls of the three gods protected the emperor's ship in Settsu, whereas their violent souls navigated the military ship at the Sumiyoshi Shrine in Nagato. The Sumiyoshi Shrine was also the protective god of the Imperial Family. Hikaru Genji encountered Lady Akashi through the divine guidance of Sumiyoshi, and their baby princess later married into the Court and became mother of the next Emperor. back to [Sumiyoshi no matsu] |