became Ikadzuchi no Kami,[1] one became Oho-yama-tsu-mi[2] no Kami, and one became Taka-wo-Kami.[3] Moreover, it is said: "When he slew Kagutsuchi, the blood gushed out and stained the five hundred[4] rocks which are in the midst of the eighty rivers of Heaven, forming thereby Gods who were called Iha-saku[5] no Kami; next Ne-saku[6] no Kami's child, Ihatsutsu-wo[7] no Kami; and next, Iha-tsutsu-me no Kami's child, Futsu-nushi no Kami."
(I. 24.) In one writing it is said: "Izanagi no Mikoto cut Kagutsuchi no Mikoto into five pieces, which were each changed, and became the five Mountain-Gods. The first piece, viz., the head, became Oho-yama-tsu-mi;[8] the second, viz. the trunk, became Naka[9]-yama-tsu-mi; the third, viz. the hands, became Ha[10]-yama-tsu mi; the fourth, viz. the loins, became Masa-katsu-yama-tsu-mi;[11] and the fifth, viz. the feet, became Shiki[12]-yama-tsu-mi.
At this time the blood from the wounds spurted out and stained the rocks, trees and herbage. This is the reason that herbs, trees, and pebbles naturally contain the element of fire."
In one writing it is said: "Izanagi no Mikoto, wishing to see his younger sister, went to the temporary burial-place. At this time, Izanami no Mikoto being still as she was when alive came forth to meet him, and they talked together. She spoke to Izanagi no Mikoto and said, 'My august Lord and husband, I beseech thee not to look at me.' When she had done speaking, she suddenly became invisible. It was then dark, so Izanagi no Mikoto lit a single light, and looked at her. Izanami no Mikoto was then swollen and festering, and eight kinds of Thunder-Gods rested on her. Izanagi no Mikoto was shocked, and ran away. Then the thunders all arose and pursued him.
Page:Nihongi by Aston.djvu/60
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The Age of the Gods.
29
