Futodama

Futodama or Futotama is a god in Japanese mythology, claimed to be the ancestor of Inbe clan, whose characteristics are believed to reflect the functions of the clan as court ritualists.

Name and etymology

The god is known as Ame-no-Futodama-no-Mikoto or Futodama for short. His name is speculated to mean great gift or offering.

Myths

After Susanoo accidentally killed one of Amaterasu's attendants in her weaving hall, she got upset and locked herself in Ama-no-Iwato, causing the world to plunge into darkness. After almost a year of chaos, Omoikane and the other gods came up with a plan to get her out. Futodama and Ame-no-Koyane 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.
In the Kogo Shūi, Futodama is placed as the leader of the performed rituals.

Family

In the Kogo Shūi, Futodama is recorded as the son of Takamimusubi, and brother of Takuhadachiji-hime and Ame-no-Oshihi-no-Mikoto.

Worship

Futodama is believed to be enshrined at Awa shrine, where there is a festival to the kami every year on August 10. He is also enshrined at Amatsu Shrine alongside Ninigi and Ame-no-Koyane. The Engi Shiki lists several shrines to Futodama in Izumi Province.

Popular culture

Futodama appears as a demon in the Japanese role playing game Shin Megami Tensei IV.