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THE NIHONGI
THE AGE OF THE GODS
Of old, Heaven and Earth were not yet separated, and the In and Yo not
yet divided. They formed a chaotic mass like an egg which was of obscurely
defined limits and contained germs.
The purer and clearer part was thinly drawn out, and formed Heaven,
while the heavier and grosser element settled down and became Earth.
The finer element easily became a united body, but the consolidation
of the heavy and gross element was accomplished with difficulty.
Heaven was therefore formed first, and Earth was established subsequently.
Thereafter divine beings were produced between them.
Hence it is said that when the world began to be created, the soil of
which lands were composed floated about in a manner which might be compared
to the floating of a fish sporting on the surface of the water.
At this time a certain thing was produced between Heaven and Earth.
It was in form like a reed-shoot. Now this became transformed into a God,
and was called Kuni-toko-tachi no Mikoto.
Next there was Kuni no sa-tsuchi no Mikoto, and next Toyo-kumu-nu no
Mikoto, in all three deities
These were pure males spontaneously developed by the operation of the
principle of Heaven.
In one writing it is said: '&When Heaven and Earth began, a thing
existed in the midst of the Void. Its shape may not be described. Within
it a deity was spontaneously produced, whose name was Kuni-toko-tachi no
Mikoto, also called Kuni-soko-tachi no Mikoto. Next there was Kuni no sa-tsuchi
no Mikoto, also called Kuni no sa-tachi no Mikoto. Next there was Toyo-kuni-nushi
no Mikoto, also called Toyo-kumu-nu no Mikoto, Toyo-ka-fushi-no no Mikoto,
Uki-fu-no-toyo-kahi no Mikoto, Toyo-kuni-no no Mikoto, Toyo-kuhi-no no
Mikoto, Ha-ko-kuni-no no Mikoto, or Mi-no no Mikoto.&
In one writing it is said: &Of old, when the land was Young and
the earth young, it floated about, as it were floating oil. At this time
a thing was produced within the land, in shape like a reed-shoot when it
sprouts forth. From this there was a deity developed, whose name was Umashi-ashi-kabi-hiko-ji
no Mikoto. Next there was Kuni no toko-tachi no Mikoto, and next Kuni no
sa-tsuchi no Mikoto.&
In one writing it is said: & When Heaven and Earth were in a state
of chaos, there was first of all a deity, whose name was Umashi-ashi-kabi-hiko-ji
no Mikoto. Next there was Kuni-soko-tachi no Mikoto.&
In one writing it is said: &When Heaven and Earth began, there
were deities produced together, whose names were, first, Kuni-no-toko-tachi
no Mikoto, and next Kuni no satsuchi no Mikoto.& It is further stated:
&The names of the gods which were produced in the Plain of High Heaven
were Ama no mi-naka-nushi no Mikoto, next Taka-mi-musubi no Mikoto, next
Kami-mi-musubi no Mikoto.&
In one writing it is said: &Before Heaven and Earth were produced,
there was something which might be compared to a cloud floating over the
sea. It had no place of attachment for its root. In the midst of this a
thing was generated which resembled a reed-shoot when it is first produced
in the mud. This became straightway transformed into human shape and was
called Kuni no toko-tachi no Mikoto.&
[In this fashion the &Nihongi & rambles on, telling much the
same legends as the &Kojiki&, until it comes to the days of the
immediate ancestors of Jimmu Tenno. There were then two brothers, grandchildren
of the goddess Ama-terasu.]
The elder brother Ho-no-susori no Mikoto had by nature a sea- the
younger brother Hiko-ho-ho-demi no Mikoto had by nature a mountain-gift.
In the beginning the two brothers, the elder and the younger, conversed
together, saying: & Let us for a trial exchange gifts.& They
eventually exchanged them, but neither of them gained aught by doing so.
The elder brother repented his bargain, and returned to the younger brother
his bow and arrows, asking for his fish-hook to be given back to him. But
the younger brother had already lost the elder brother's fish-book, and
there was no means of finding it. He accordingly made another new hook
which he offered to his elder brother. But his elder brother refused to
accept it, and demanded the old hook. The younger brother, grieved at this,
forthwith took his cross-sword and forged from it new fish-hooks, which
he heaped up in a winnowing tray, and offered to his brother. But his elder
brother was wroth, and said: &These are not my old fish-hook: though
they are many, I will not take them.& And be continued repeatedly
to demand it vehemently. Therefore Hiko-hoho-demi no Mikoto's grief was
exceeding1y profound, and be went and made moan by the shore of the sea.
There he met Shiho-tsutsu no Oji. The old man inquired of him saying -
&Why dost thou grieve here?& He answered and told him the matter
from first to last. The old man said: &Grieve no more. I will arrange
this matter for thee.& So he made a basket without interstices, and
placing in it Hoho-demi no Mikoto, sank it in the sea. Forthwith he found
himself at a pleasant strand, where he abandoned the basket, and proceeding
on his way, suddenly arrived at the palace of the Sea-god. This palace
was provided with battlements and turrets, and had stately towers. Before
the gate there was a well, and over the well there grew a many branched
cassia-tree, with wide-spreading boughs and leaves. Now Hiko-hoho-demi
no Mikoto went up to the foot of this tree and loitered about. After some
time a beautiful woman appeared, and, pushing open the door, came forth.
She at length took a jewel-vessel and approached. She was about to draw
water, when, raising her eyes, she saw him, and was alarmed. Returning
within, she spoke to her father and mother, saying: &There is a rare
stranger at the foot of the tree before the gate.& The god of the
Sea thereupon prepared an eightfold cushion and led him in. When they bad
taken their seats, he inquired of him the object of his coming. Then Hiko-hoho-demi
no Mikoto explained to him, in reply, all the circumstances. The Sea-god
accordingly assembled the fishes, both great and small, and required of
them an answer. They all said: &We know not. Only the Red-woman has
had a sore mouth for some time past and has not come.& She was therefore
peremptorily summoned to appear and on her mouth being examined the lost
hook was actually found.
After this, Hiko-hoho-demi no Mikoto took to wife the Seagod's daughter,
Toyo-tama-hime, and dwelt in the sea-palace. For three years he enjoyed
peace and pleasure, but still had a longing for his own country, and therefore
sighed deeply from time to time. Toyo-tama-hime heard this and told her
father, saying: &The Heavenly Grandchild often sighs as if in grief.
It may be that it is the sorrow of long in, for his country.&The god
of the Sea thereupon drew to him Hiko-hoho-demi no Mikoto, and addressing
him in an easy, familiar way, said: & If the Heavenly Grandchild desires
to return to his country I will send him back.& So he gave him the
fish-hook which he had found, and in doing so instructed him, saying: &When
thou givest this fish-hook to thy elder brother, before giving it to him
call to it secretly, and say, 'A poor hook.'& He further presented
to him the jewel of the flowing tide and the jewel of the ebbing tide,
and instructed him, saying: &If thou dost dip the tide-flowing jewel,
the tide will suddenly flow, and therewithal thou shalt drown thine elder
brother. But in case thy elder brother should repent and beg forgiveness,
if, on the contrary, thou dip the tide-ebbing jewel, the tide will spontaneously
ebb, and therewithal thou shalt save him. If thou harass him in this way,
thy elder brother will of his own accord render submission.
When the Heavenly Grandchild was about to set out on his return journey,
Toyo-tama-hime addressed him, saying: &Thy handmaiden is already pregnant,
and the time of her delivery is not far off. On a day when the winds and
waves are raging, I will surely come forth to the sea-shore, and I pray
thee that thou wilt make for me a parturition-house, and await me there.&
When Hiko-hoho-demi no Mikoto returned to his palace, he complied implicitly
with the instructions of the Sea-god, and the elder brother, Ho-no-susori
no Mikoto, finding himself in the utmost straits, of his own accord admitted
his offense, and said: &Henceforward I will be thy subject to perform
mimic dances for thee. I beseech thee mercifully to spare my life.&
Thereupon he at length yielded his petition, and spared him. This Ho-no-susori
no Mikoto was the first ancestor of the Kimi of Wobashi in Ata.
After this Toyo-tama-hime fulfilled her promise, and, bringing with
her her younger sister, Tama-yori-hime, bravely confronted the winds and
waves, and came to the sea-shore. When the time of her delivery was at
hand, she besought Hiko-hoho-demi no Mikoto, saying: &When thy handmaiden
is in travail, I pray thee do not look upon her.& However, the Heavenly
Grandchild could not restrain himself, but went secretly and peeped in.
Now Toyo-tama-hime was just in childbirth, and had changed into a dragon.
She was greatly ashamed, and said: & Hadst thou not disgraced me,
I would have made the sea and land communicate with each other, and forever
prevented them from being sundered. But now that thou hast disgraced me,
wherewithal shall friendly feelings be knit together?& So she wrapped
the infant inrushes, and abandoned it on the sea-shore. Then she barred
the sea-path, and passed away. Accordingly the child was called Hiko-nagisa-take-u-gaya-fuki-ahezu
no Mikoto.
Another account says that when the child was born, the Heavenly Grandchild
approached and made inquiry, saying: &By what name ought the child
to be called?& She answered and said: & Let him be called Hiko-nagisa-take-u-gayafuki-ahezu
no Mikoto.& Having said so, she took her departure straight across
the sea. Then Hiko-hoho-demi no Mikoto made a song, saying:
Whatever befalls me,
Ne'er shall I forget my love
With whom I slept
In the islands of wild-ducks --
The birds of the offing.&
After this, when Tovo-tama-hime heard what a fine boy her child was,
her heart was greatly moved with affection' and she wished to come back
and bring him up herself. But she could not rightly do so, and therefore
she sent her younger sister Tama-yori-hime to nurture him. Now when Toyotama-hime
sent Tama-yori-hime, she offered (to Hoho-demi no Mikoto) the following
verse in answer:
Some may boast
Of the splendor
Of red jewels,
But those worn by my lord --
It is they which are admirable.&
These two stanzas, one sent, and one in reply, are what are termed age-uta.
Another account says that when the Sea-god gave the fishhook to Hiko-hoho-demi
no Mikoto, he instructed him, saying: & When thy elder brother's fish-hook
is returned to him, let the Heavenly Grandchild say: 'Let it be to all
thy descendants, of whatever degree of relationship, a poor hook, a paltry
poor hook.' When thou hast thus spoken, spit thrice, and give it to him.
Moreover, when thy elder brother goes to sea a-fishing, let the Heavenly
Grandchild stand on the seashore and do that which raises the wind. Now
that which raises the wind is whistling. If thou doest so, I will forthwith
stir up the wind of the offing and the wind of the shore, and will overwhelm
and vex him with the scurrying waves.& Ho no ori no Mikoto returned,
and obeyed implicitly the instructions of the god. When a day came on which
the elder brother went a-fishing, the younger brother stood on the shore
of the sea, and whistled. Then there arose a sudden tempest, and the elder
brother was forthwith overwhelmed and harassed. Seeing no means of saving
his life, lie besought his younger brother from afar, saying: & Thou
hast dwelt long in the ocean-plain, and must possess some excellent art.
I pray thee teach it to me. If thou save my life, my descendants of all
degrees of relationship shall not leave the neighborhood of thy precinct,
but shall act as thy mime-vassals.& Thereupon the younger brother
left off whistling, and the wind again returned to rest. So the elder brother
recognized the younger brother's power, and freely admitted his fault.
But the younger brother was wroth, and -would hold no converse with him.
Hereupon the elder brother, with nothing but his waistcloth on, and smearing
the palms of his bands and his face with red earth, said to his younger
brother: & Thus do I defile my body, and make my self thy mime forever.&
So kicking up his feet, he danced along and practiced the manner of his
drowning struggles. First of all, when the tide reached his feet, he did
when it reached his knees, h
when it reached his thighs, he r when it reached his
loins, when it reached his sides, he placed his hands
when it reached his neck, be threw up his hands, waving
his palms. From that time until now, this custom has never ceased.
Now, when the child Hiko-nagisa-take-u-gaya-fuki-abezu no Mikoto grew
up, he took his aunt Tama-yori-hime as his consort, and had by her in all
four male children. Long after, .Hiko-nagisa-take-u-gaya-fuki-ahezu no
Mikoto died, in the palace of the western country, and was buried in the
Misasagi on the top of Mount Ahira in Hiuga.
THE EMPEROR KAMI-YAMATO IHARE-BIKO
The Emperor Kami Yamato Ihare-biko's personal name was Hiko-hoho-demi.
[This is the legendary conquerer known to later ages as Jimmu Tenno.] He
was the fourth child of Hiko-nagisa-take-u-gaya-fuki-ahezu no Mikoto. His
mother's name was Tama-yori-hime, daughter of the Sea-god. From his birth,
this Emperor was of clear intelligence and resolute will. At the age of
fifteen he was made heir to the throne. When be grew up, he married Ahira-tsu-hime,
of the district of Ata in the province of Hiuga, and made her his consort.
By her he had Tagishi-mimi no Mikoto and Kisu-mimi no Mikoto.
When he reached the age of forty-five, he addressed his elder brothers
and his children, saying: &Of old, our Heavenly deities Taka-mi-musubi
no Mikoto, and Oho-hiru-me no Mikoto, pointing to this land of fair rice-ears
of the fertile reed-plain, gave it to our Heavenly ancestor, Hiko-ho no
ninigi no Mikoto. Thereupon Hiko-ho no ninigi no Mikoto, throwing open
the barrier of Heaven and clearing a cloud-path, urged on his superhuman
course until he came to rest. At this time the world was given over to
widespread desolation. It was an age of darkness and disorder. In this
gloom, therefore, be fostered justice, arid so governed this western border.
Our Imperial ancestors and Imperial parent, like gods, like sages, accumulated
happiness and amassed glory. Many years elapsed. From the date when our
Heavenly ancestor descended until now it is over 1,792,470 years .But the
remote regions do not yet enjoy the blessings of Imperial rule. Every town
has always been allowed to have its lord, and every village its chief,
who, each one for himself, makes division of territory and practises mutual
aggression and conflict.
&Now I have heard from the Ancient of the Sea, that in the East
there is a fair land encircled on all sides by blue mountains. -Moreover,
there is there one who flew down riding in a Heavenly Rock-boat. I think
that this land will undoubtedly be suitable for the extension of the Heavenly
task,' so that its ,Iorv should fill the universe. It is, doubtless, the
center of the world.& The person who flew down was, I believe, Nigi-haya-hi.
Why should we not proceed thither, and make it the capital?&
All the Imperial Princess answered, and said: & The truth of this
is manifest. This thought is constant1y present to our minds also. Let
us go thither quickly.& This was the year Kinoye Tora (51st) of the
Great Year. (667 B.C.)
In that year, in winter, on the Kanoto Tori day (the 5th) of the 10th
month, the new moon of which was on the day Hinoto Mi, the Emperor in person
led the Imperial Princes and a naval force on an expedition against the
East. When be arrived at the Haya-suhi gate, there was there a fisherman
who came riding in a boat. The Emperor summoned him, and then inquired
of him, saying: &Who art thou?& He answered and said: &Thy
servant is a Country-god, and his name is Utsu-hiko. I angle for fish in
the bays of ocean. Hearing that the son of the Heavenly deity was coming,
therefore I forthwith came to receive him.& Again he inquired of him,
saying: &Canst thou act as my guide?& He answered and said: &I
will do so.& The Emperor ordered the end of a pole of shihi wood to
be given to the fisher, and caused him to be taken and pulled into the
Imperial vessel, of which be was made pilot. A name was specially granted
him, and he was called Shibi-ne-tsu-hiko.& He was the first ancestor
of the Yamato no Atahe.
Proceeding on their voyage, they arrived at Usa in the land of Tsukushi.
At this time there appeared the ancestors of the Kuni-tsu-ko of Usa, named
Usa-tsu-hiko and Usatsu-hime. They built a palace raised on one pillar
on the banks of the River Usa, and offered them a banquet. Then, by Imperial
command, Usa-tsu-hime was given in marriage to the Emperor's attendant
minister Ama no tane no Mikoto. Now Ama no tane no Mikoto was the remote
ancestor of the Nakatomi Uji.
11th month, 9th day. The Emperor arrived at the harbor of Oka in the
land of Tsukushi.
12th month, 27th day. He arrived at the province of A-ki, where he dwelt
in the Palace of Ye.
(666 B.C.) The year Kinoto U, Spring, 3rd month, 6th day. Going onward,
he entered the land of Kibi, and built a temporary palace, in which he
dwelt. It was called the Palace of Takasbima. Three years passed, during
which time be set in order the helms of his ships, and prepared a store
of provisions. It was his desire by a single effort to subdue the Empire.
(663 B.C.) The year Tsuchinoye Muma, Spring, 2nd month, 11th day. The
Imperial forces at length proceeded eastward, the prow of one ship touching
the stern of another. Just when they reached Cape Naniha they encountered
a current of great swiftness. Whereupon that place was called Nami-haya
(wave-swift) or Nami-hana (wave-flower). It is now called Naniha which
is a corruption of this.
3rd mouth, 10th day. Proceeding upward against the stream, they went
straight on, and arrived at the port of Awokumo no Shira-date, in the township
of Kusaka, in the province of Kafuebi.
Summer, 4th month, 9th day. The Imperial forces in martial array marched
on to Tatsuta. The road was narrow and precipitous, and the men were unable
to march abreast, so they returned and again endeavored to go eastward,
crossing over Mount Ikoma. In this way they entered the inner country.
Now when Naga-sune-hiko heard this, be said: &The object of the
children of the Heavenly deity in coming hither is assuredly to rob me
of my country.& so be straightway levied all the forces under his
dominion, and intercepted them at the Hill of Kusaka. A battle was engaged,
and Itsuse no Mikoto was hit by a random arrow on the elbow. The Imperial
forces were unable to advance against the enemy. The Emperor was vexed,
and revolved in his inmost heart a divine plan, saying: &I am the
descendant of the Sun-goddess, and if I proceed against the Sun to attack
the enemy, I shall act contrary to the way of Heaven. Better to retreat
and make a show of weakness. Then sacrificing to the gods of Heaven and
Earth, and bringing on our backs the might of the Sun-goddess, let us follow
her rays and trample them down. If we do so, the enemy will assuredly be
routed of themselves, and we shall not stain our swords with blood.&
They all said: &It is good.& Thereupon he gave orders to the
army, saying: &Wait a while, and advance no further.& So he withdrew
his forces, and the enemy also did not dare to attack him. He then retired
to the port of Kusaka, where he set up shields, and made a warlike show.
Therefore the name of this port was changed to Tatetsu which is now corrupted
into Tadetsu.
Before this, at the battle of Kusaka, there was a man who hid in a great
tree, and by so doing escaped danger. So pointing to this tree, he said.
&I am grateful to it, as to my mother.& Therefore the people
of the day called that place Omo no ki no Mura .
5th month, 8th day. The army arrived at the port of Yamaki in Chinu
(also called Port Yama no wi). Now Itsuse no Mikoto's arrow wound was extremely
painful. He grasped his sword, and striking a martial attitude, said &How
exasperating it is that a man should die of a wound received at the hands
of slaves, and should not revenge it!& The people of that day therefore
called the place Wo no minato.
Proceeding onward, they reached Mount Kama in the land of Kii, where
Itsuse no Mikoto died in the army, and was therefore buried at Mount Kama.
6th month, 23rd day. The army arrived at the village of Nagusa, where
they put to death the Tohe of Nagusa. Finally they crossed the moor of
Sano, and arrived at the village of kami in Kuniano. Here be embarked in
the rock-boat of Heaven, and leading his army, proceeded onward by slow
degrees. In the midst of the sea, they suddenly met with a violent wind,
and the Imperial vessel was tossed about. Then Ina-ihi no Mikoto exclaimed
and said: &Alas! my ancestors were Heavenly deities, and my mother
was a goddess of the Sea. Why do they harass me by land, and why, moreover,
do they harass me by sea.& When he had said this, he drew his sword
and plunged into the sea, where he became changed into the god Sabi-mochi
Mike Irino no Mikoto, also indignant at this, said: &My mother
and my aunt are both Sea-goddesses: why do they raise great billows to
overwhelm us? &So treading upon the waves, he went to the Eternal
Land. The Emperor was now alone with the Imperial Prince Tagishi-mimi no
Mikoto. Leading his army forward, he arrived at Port Arazaka in Kumano
(also called Nishiki Bay), where he put to death the Tobe of Nishiki. At
this time the gods belched up a poisonous vapor, from which every one suffered.
For this reason the Imperial army was again unable to exert itself. Then
there was there a man by name Kuniano no Takakuraji, who unexpectedly had
a dream, in which Ama-terasu no Ohokami spoke to Take-mika-tsuchi no Kami,
saying: &I still hear a sound of disturbance from the Central Land
of Reed-Plains. Do thou again go and chastise it.& Take-mika-tsuchi
no Kami answered and said: &Even if I go not, I can send down my sword,
with which I subdued the land, upon which the country will of its own accord
become peaceful.& To this Ama-terasu no Kami assented. Thereupon Take-mik-a-tsuchi
no Kami addressed Takakuraji, saying: &My sword, which is called Futsu
no Mitama, I will now place in thy storehouse. Do thou take it and present
it to the Heavenly Grandchild.& Takakuraji said &Yes,& and
thereupon awoke. The next morning, as instructed in his dream, be opened
the storehouse, and on looking in, there was indeed there a sword which
had fallen down (from Heaven), and was standing upside down on the plank
floor of the storehouse. So he took it and offered it to the Emperor. At
this time the Emperor happened to be asleep. He awoke suddenly, and said:
& What a long time I have slept! & On inquiry he found that the
troops who had been affected by the poison had all recovered their senses
and were afoot. The Emperor then endeavored to advance into the interior,
but among, the mountains it was so precipitous that there was no road by
which they could travel, and they wandered about not knowing whither to
direct their march. Then Amaterasu no Obo-kami instructed the Emperor in
a dream of the night, saying: &I will now send thee the Yata-garasu,&
make it thy guide through the land.& Then there did indeed appear
the Yata-garasu flying down from the Void. The Emperor said: & The
coming of this crow is in due accordance with my auspicious dream. How
grand! How splendid! My Imperial ancestor, Ama-terasu no Oho-kami, desires
therewith to assist me in creating the hereditary institution.'
At this time Hi no Omi no Mikoto, ancestor of the Ohotomo House, taking
with him Oho-kume as commander of the main body, guided by the direction
taken by the crow, looked up to it and followed after, until at length
they arrived at the district of Lower Uda. Therefore they named the place
which they reached the village of Ukechi in Uda.
At this time, by an Imperial order, he commended Hi no Omi no Mikoto,
saying: & Thou art faithful and brave, and art, moreover, a successful
guide. Therefore will I give thee a new name, and will call thee Michi
Autumn, 8th month, 2nd day. The Emperor sent to summon Ukeshi the Elder
and Ukeshi the Younger. These twowere chiefs of the district of Uda. Now
Ukesbi the Elder did not come. But Ukeshi the Younger came, and making
obeisance at the gate of the camp, declared as follows: & Thy servant's
elder brother, Ukeshi the Elder, shows signs of resistance. Hearing that
the descendant of Heaven was about to arrive, he forthwith raised an army
with which to make an attack. But having seen from afar the might of the
Imperial army, be was afraid, and did not dare to oppose it. Therefore
be has secretly placed his troops in ambush, and has built for the occasion
a new palace, in the ball of which he has prepared engines. It is his intention
to invite the Emperor to a banquet there, and then to do him a mischief.
I pray that his treachery be noted, and that good care be taken to make
preparation against it.& The Emperor straightway sent Michi no Omi
no Mikoto to observe the signs of his opposition. Michi no Omi no Mikoto
clearly ascertained his hostile intentions, and being greatly enraged,
shouted at him in a blustering manner: &Wretch! thou shalt thyself
dwell in the house which thou hast made.& So grasping his sword, and
drawing his bow, he urged him and drove him within it. Ukeshi the Elder
being guilty before Heaven, and the matter not admitting of excuse, of
his own accord trod upon the engine and was crushed to death. His body
was then brought out and decapitated, and the blood which flowed from it
reached above the ankle. Therefore that place was called Uda no Chi-hara.
After this Ukeshi the Younger prepared a great feast of beef and sake with
which he entertained the Imperial army. The Emperor distributed this flesh
and sake to the common soldiers, upon which they sang the following verses:
In the high castle/tree of Uda tree
I set a snare for woodcock,
And waited,
A valiant whale came to it.
This is called a Kume song. At the present time, when the Department
of Music performs this song, there is still the measurement of great and
small by the hand, as well as a distinction of coarse and fine in the notes
of the voice. This is by a rule banded down from antiquity.
After this the Emperor wished to inspect the land of Yoshino, so taking
personal command of the light troops, he made a progress round by way of
Ukechi mura in Uda.
When he came to Yoshino, there was a man who came out of a well. He
shone, and had a tail. The Emperor inquired of him, saying: &What
man art thou?& He answered and said: Thy servant is a local deity,
and his name is Wi-hi-kari.& He it is who was the first ancestor of
the Yoshino no Obito. Proceeding a little farther, there was another man
with a tail, who burst open a rock and came forth from it. The Emperor
inquired of him, saying: &What man art thou?& He answered and
said: &Thy servant is the child of Iha-oshi-wake.& It is he who
was the first ancestor of the Kuzu of Yoshino.
Then skirting the river, he proceeded westward, when there appeared
another man, who had made a fish-trap and was catching fish. On the Emperor
making inquiry of him, he answered and said: & Thy servant is the
son of Nihemotsu.& He it is who was the first ancestor of the U-kahi
9th month, 5th day. The Emperor ascended to the peak of Mount Takakura
in Uda, whence be had a prospect over all the land. On. Kuni-mi& Hill
there were descried eighty bandits. Moreover, at the acclivity of Me-zaka
there was posted an army of women, and at the acclivity of Wo-zaka &
there was stationed a force of men. At the acclivity of Sumizaka was placed
burning charcoal. This was the origin of the names Me-zaka, Wo-zaka, and
Sumi-zaka.
Again there was the army of Ye-shiki, which covered all the village
of Ihare. All the places occupied by the enemy were strong positions, and
therefore the roads were cut off and obstructed, so that there was no room
for passage. The Emperor, indignant at this, made prayer on that night
in person, and then fell asleep. The Heavenly deity appeared to him in
a dream, and instructed him, saying: &Take earth from within the shrine
of the Heavenly Mount Kagu, and of it make eighty Heavenly platters. Also
make sacred jars& and therewith sacrifice to the gods of Heaven and
Earth. Moreover, pronounce a solemn imprecation. If thou doest so, the
enemy will render submission of their own accord.& The Emperor received
with reverence the directions given in his dream, and proceeded to carry
them into execution.
Now Ukeshi the Younger again addressed the Emperor, saying: &There
are in the province of Yamato, in the village of Shiki, eighty Shiki bandits.
Moreover, in the village of Takawoliari (some say Katsuraki) there are
eighty Akagane bandits. All these tribes intend to give battle to the Emperor,
and thy servant is anxious in his own mind on his account. It were now
good to take clay from the Heavenly fount Kagu, and therewith to make Heavenly
platters with which to sacrifice to the gods of the Heavenly shrines and
of the Earthly shrines. If after doing so, thou dost attack the enemy,
they may be easily driven off.& The Emperor, who had already taken
the words of his dream for a good omen, When he now heard the words of
Ukeshi the Younger was Still more pleased in his heart. He caused Shihi-netsu-hiko
to put on ragged garments and a grass hat, and to disguise himself as an
old man. He also caused Ukeshi the Younger to cover himself with a winnowing
tray, so as to assume the appearance of an old woman, and then addressed
them saying-: &Do ye two proceed to the Heavenly Mount Kagu, and secretly
take earth from its summit. Having done so, return hither. By means of
you I shall then divine whether my undertaking will be successful or not.
Do your utmost and be watchful.&
Now the enemy's army filled the road, and made all passage impossible.
Then Shihi-netsu-hiko prayed, and said: & If it will be possible for
our Emperor to conquer this land, let the road by which we must travel
become open. But if not, let the brigands surely oppose our passage.&
Having thus spoken they set forth, and went straight onward. Now the hostile
band, seeing the two men, laughed loudly, and said: & What an uncouth
old man and old woman! & So with one accord they left the road, and
allowed the two men to pass and proceed to the mountain, where they took
the clay and returned with it. Hereupon the Emperor was greatly pleased,
and with this clay he made eighty platters, eighty Heavenly small jars
and sacred jars, with which he went up to the upper waters of the River
Nifu and sacrificed to the gods of Heaven and Earth. Immediately, on the
Asahara plain by the river of Uda, it became as it were like foam on the
water, the result of the curse cleaving to them.
Moreover, the Emperor went on to utter a vow, saying: & I will
now make aMe n the eighty platters without using water. If the ame is formed,
then shall I assuredly without effort and without recourse to the might
of arms reduce the Empire to peace.& So he made ame, which forthwith
became formed of itself.
Again he made a vow, saving: & I will now take the sacred jars
and sink thern in the River Nifu. If the fishes, whether great or small,
become every one drunken and are carried down the stream, like as it were
to floating maki leaves, then shall I assuredly succeed in establishing
this land. But if this be not so, there will never be any result.&
Thereupon he sank the jars in the river with their mouths downward. After
a while the fish all came to the surface, gaping and gasping as they floated
down the stream. Then Shihi-netsu-hiko, seeing this, represented it to
the Emperor, who was greatly rejoiced, and plucking up a five-hundred-branched
masakaki tree of the upper waters of the River Nifu, be did worship therewith
to all the gods. It was with this that the custom began of setting sacred
At this time he commanded Michi no Omi no Mikoto, saying: &We are
now in person& about to celebrate a public festival to Taka-mi-musubi
no Mikoto, and I appoint thee Ruler of the festival, and grant thee the
title of Idzu-hime. The earthen jars which are set up shall be called the
Idzube, or sacred jars, the fire shall be called Idzu no Kagu-tsuchi, or
sacred-fire-elder, the water shall be called Idzu no Midzuha no me, or
sacred-water-female, the food shall be called Idzu-Uka no me, or sacred-food-female,
the firewood shall be called Idzu no Yama-tsuchi, or sacred-mountain-elder,
and the grass shall be called Idzu no No-tsuchi, or sacred-moor-elder.&
Winter, 10th month, 1st day. The Emperor tasted the food of the Idzube,
and arraying his troops set forth upon his march. He first of all attacked
the eighty bandits at Mount Kunimi, routed and slew them. It was in this
campaign that the Emperor, fully resolved on victory, made these verses,
Like the Shitadami
Which creep around
The great rock
Of the Sea of Ise
Where blows the divine wind --
Like the Shitadami,
My boys! my boys!
We will creep around,
And smite them utterly,
And smite them utterly.&
In this poem, by the great rock is intended the Hill of Kunimi.
After this the band which remained was still numerous, and their disposition
could not be fathomed. So the Emperor privately commanded Michi no Omi
no Mikoto, saying: &Do thou take with thee the Oho-kume, and make
a great muro at the village of Osaka. Prepare a copious banquet, invite
the enemy to it, and then capture them.& Michi no Omi no Mikoto thereupon,
in obedience to the Emperor's secret behest, dug a muro at Osaka, and having
selected his bravest soldiers, stayed therein mingled with the enemy. He
secretly arranged with them, saying: & When they have got tipsy with
sake, I will strike up a song. Do you, when you hear the sound of my song,
all at the same time- stab the enemy.& Having made this arrangement
they took their seats, and the drinking-bout proceeded. The enemy, unaware
that there was any plot, abandoned themselves to their feelings, and promptly
became intoxicated. Then Michi no Omi no Mikoto struck up the following
In the great muro-house,
Though men in plenty
Enter and stay,
We the glorious
Sons of warriors,
Wielding our mallet-heads,
Wielding our stone-mallets,
Will smite them utterly.&
Now when our troops beard this song, they all drew at the same time
their mallet-beaded swords, and simultaneously slew the enemy, so that
there were no eaters left. The Imperial army we they
looked up to Heaven and laughed. Therefore he made a song, saying:
Though folk say
That one Yemishi
Is a match for one hundred men
They do not so much as resist.&
The practise, according to which at the present time the Kume sing this
and then laugh loud, had this origin.
Again he sang, saying:
Ha! Ha! Psha!
All these songs were sung in accordance with the secret behest of the
Emperor. He had not presumed to compose them of his own motion.
Then the Emperor said: &It is the part of a good general when victorious
to avoid arrogance. The chief brigands have now been destroyed, but there
are ten bands of villains of a similar stamp, who are disputatious. Their
disposition can not be ascertained. Why should we remain for a long time
in one place? By so doing we could not have control over emergencies.&
So he removed his camp to another place.
11th month, 7th day. The Imperial army proceeded in great force to attack
the Hiko of Shiki. First of all the Emperor sent a messenger to summon
Shiki the Elder, but he refused to obey. Again the Yata-garasu was sent
to bring him. When the crow reached his camp it cried to him, saying: &The
child of the Heavenly deity sends for thee. Haste! haste!& Shiki the
Elder was enraged at this, and said: &Just when I heard that the conquering
deity of Heaven was coming and was indignant at this, why shouldst thou,
a bird of the crow tribe, utter such an abominable cry?& So be drew
his bow and aimed at it. The crow forthwith fled away, and next proceeded
to the house of Shiki the Younger, where it cried, saving: & The child
of the Heavenly deity summons thee. Haste! haste! & Then Shiki the
Younger was afraid, and, changing countenance, said: & Thy servant,
hearing of the approach of the conquering deity of Heaven, is full of dread
morning and evening. Well hast thou cried to me, O crow.& He straightway
made eight leaf-platters, on which he disposed food, and entertained the
crow. Accordingly, in obedience to the crow he proceeded to the Emperor
and informed him, saying: & My elder brother, Shiki the Elder, hearing
of the approach of the child of the Heavenly deity, forthwith assembled
eighty bandits and provided arms, with which he is about to do battle with
thee. It will be well to take measures against him without delay.&
The Emperor accordingly assembled his generals and inquired of them, saying:
& It appears that Shiki the Elder has now rebellious intentions. I
summoned him, but again he will not come. What is to be done?& The
generals said: &Shiki the Elder is a crafty knave. It will be well,
first of all, to send Shiki the Younger to make matters clear to him, and
at the same time to make explanations to Kuraji the Elder and Kuraji the
Younger. If after that they still refuse submission, it will not be too
late to take warlike measures against them.& Shiki the Younger was
accordingly sent to explain to them their interests. But Shiki the Elder
and the others adhered to their foolish design, and would not consent to
submit. Then Shihi-netsu-hiko advised is follows: & Let us first send
out our feebler troops by the Osaka road. When the enemy sees them he will
assuredly proceed thither with all his best troops. We should then straightway
urge forward our robust troops, and make straight For Sumi-zaka. Then with
the water of the River Uda we should sprinkle the burning charcoal, and
suddenly take them unawares, when they can not fail to be routed.&
The Emperor approved this plan, and sent out the feebler troops toward
the enemy, who, thinking, that a powerful force was approaching, awaited
them with all their power. Now up to this time, whenever the Imperial army
attacked, they invariably caetured, and when they fought they were invariably
victorious, so that the fighting men were all wearied out. Therefore the
Emperor, to comfort the hearts of his leaders and men, struck off this
As we fight,
Going forth and watching
From between the trees
Of Mount Inasa,
We are famished.
Ye keepers of cormorants
(Birds of the island),
Come now to our aid.&
In the end he crossed Sumi-zaka with the stronger troops, and, going
round by the rear, attacked them from two sides and put them to the rout,
killing their chieftains Shiki the Elder and the others.
12th month, 4th day. The Imperial army at length attacked Naga-sune-hiko
and fought with him repeatedly, but was unable to gain the victory. Then
suddenly the sky became overcast, and hail fell. There appeared a wondrous
kite of a golden color, which came flying and perched on the end of the
Emperor's bow. The luster of this kite was of dazzling brightness, so that
its appearance was like that of lightning. In consequence of this all Naga-sune-hiko's
soldiers were dazzled and bewildered so that they could not fight stoutly.
Nagasune was the original name of the village, whence it became the
name of a man. But in consequence of the lmperial army obtaining the favorable
omen of the kite, the men of that time called it Tobi no mura. It is now
called Tomi, which is a corruption of this.
Ever since Itsuse no Mikoto was hit by an arrow at the battle of Kusaka
and died, the Emperor bore this in mind, and constantly cherished resentment
for it. On this campaign it was his desire to, put all to death, and therefore
he composed these verses, saying:&My mouth tingles
With the ginger planted
At the bottom of the hedge
By the glorious Sons of warriors--
Let us smite them utterly.&Again he sang, saying:In
the millet-field
Is one stem of odorous garlic
The glorious
Sons of warriors
Binding its stem
And binding its shoots Will smite it utterly.&Then again letting
loose his army, he suddenly attacked him. In general, all these songs composed
by the Emperor are termed kume uta, in allusion to the persons who took
and sang them.