**Susanoo, The Shinto Storm God**
**Full Name:** Susanoo-no-Mikoto
**Origin/Culture:** Susanoo originates from Japanese mythology, specifically Shinto, the indigenous spirituality of Japan.
**Domain/Role:** Susanoo is the Shinto god of the sea and storms. He is also associated with the harvest and warfare, embodying both destruction and protection.
**Symbol/Iconography:** Common symbols associated with Susanoo include the sword, the ocean, and the dragon. These elements reflect his martial prowess, his dominion over the seas, and his victory over the eight-headed serpent, Yamata-no-Orochi.
**Mythology/Stories:** One of the most famous myths involving Susanoo is his exile from Heaven and subsequent battle with Yamata-no-Orochi, a fearsome dragon whom he defeats to save Princess Kushinada. This victory grants him the sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, a legendary weapon in Japanese mythology.
**Family Relationships:** Susanoo is the brother of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and Tsukuyomi, the moon god. He is a son of Izanagi and Izanami, primeval beings who created the islands of Japan.
**Attributes/Qualities:** Susanoo is known for his tempestuous nature, bravery, and impulsiveness. Despite his unpredictability, he is a protector who confronts evil and chaos.
**Depictions/Representations:** Susanoo is often depicted as a youthful and fierce warrior, wielding a sword and sometimes accompanied by the symbols of his victory over Yamata-no-Orochi.
**Worship/Temples:** While there are fewer temples dedicated solely to Susanoo compared to other deities in Shinto, he is worshipped at shrines across Japan, especially those close to the sea or in regions prone to storms.
**Symbols/Animals:** The dragon, or more specifically the serpent, is a key animal symbol associated with Susanoo, referencing his battle with Yamata-no-Orochi.
**Historical Influence:** Susanoo’s mythology has influenced Japanese culture, seen in the reverence for the sword and martial valor. Festivals and rituals invoking protection from storms or celebrating the harvest reflect his dual nature as both destroyer and protector.
**Sacred Texts:** Susanoo is prominently mentioned in the “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki,” ancient chronicles that compile the mythology and history of Japan.
**Evolution:** Over time, Susanoo’s image has evolved from a purely destructive force to a complex deity embodying both threat and safeguarding, reflecting broader themes of chaos and order in nature and society.
**Modern Influence:** Susanoo remains a popular figure in modern culture, featuring in manga, anime, and video games. His story symbolizes the triumph over adversity and is invoked in contexts related to protection and resilience.
**Titles/Epithets:** Susanoo is often called the “Brave-Swift-Impetuous-Male,” highlighting his vigorous and valiant nature.
**Sacred Sites:** The Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto is one of the notable shrines associated with Susanoo, celebrating his victory over Yamata-no-Orochi.
**Attributes/Artifacts:** The sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, obtained after defeating Yamata-no-Orochi, is Susanoo’s most famous artifact, symbolizing his strength and valor.
**Allies/Adversaries:** While Susanoo had a contentious relationship with his sister Amaterasu, reflecting the tension between storm and sun, he also had allies among mortals and deities, whom he protected.
**Cosmology:** Susanoo occupies a crucial place in Shinto cosmology as a powerful deity of nature’s forces, balancing the celestial order with the terrestrial world.
**Philosophical/Religious Significance:** Susanoo represents the necessary balance between destruction and renewal, a deity who brings both the storm’s peril and the rain’s fertility.
**Power Score:** Considering Susanoo’s domain over storms, martial prowess, and his significant role in mythology, his power score might be estimated at 160 out of 200, reflecting his status as a major deity but acknowledging the greater cosmological balance within Shinto.
**Weapons/Tools:** Susanoo’s primary weapon is the sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of the Imperial Regalia of Japan.
**Weapon Score/Attack Points:** Given the legendary status of Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, not just as a weapon but as a symbol of divine right and power, its score might be placed at 45 out of 50, recognizing its unparalleled significance in Japanese mythology and the divine arsenal.
This encapsulation of Susanoo-no-Mikoto offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Japanese mythology and the enduring legacy of its deities in the cultural, spiritual, and philosophical spheres of Japan.