In one writing it is said:—"When Heaven and Earth were in a state of chaos, there was first of all a deity,[1] 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 sa-tsuchi 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[2] no Mikoto, next Taka-mi-musubi[3] no Mikoto, next Kami-mi-musubi[4] 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[5] shape and was called Kuni no toko-tachi no Mikoto."
In one writing it is said:—"When Heaven and Earth began, a thing was produced in the midst of the Void, which resembled a reed-shoot. This became changed into a God, who was called Ama no toko-tachi[6] no Mikoto. There was next Umashi-ashi-kabi-hiko-ji no Mikoto." It is further stated:—"There was a thing produced in the midst of the Void like floating oil, from
- ↑ Lit. a Divine man.
- ↑ Heaven-of-august-centre-master. The Pole-star god, according to O'Neill, Vide "Night of the Gods," pp. 535, 536.
- ↑ High-august-growth. "Personifications of highly abstract ideas are not unknown in myths of savages. The South Sea islanders have personified 'the very beginning,' and 'space.'" Lang's "Myth, Religion, and Ritual," Vol. I, p. 196. It is not quite clear whether this is the same as the Musubi or Musubu no Kami, a god who unites lovers, and to whom the rags hung on trees by the roadside are offered.
- ↑ Divine-august-growth. This corresponds nearly with the Kojiki myth.
- ↑ The Chinese character is 人, which the interlinear Kana coolly renders by Kami, deity.
- ↑ Heaven-of-eternal-stand.
