Amaterasu and the Cave

The sun goddess Amaterasu and her brother Susanoo, the volatile god of storms, stood on opposite sides of the Tranquil River of Heaven. To prove his sincerity, Susanoo agreed to a divine contest of creation called 'Ukehi'. From her brother’s sword, Amaterasu created three goddesses. In turn, Susanoo brought forth five male gods from her sacred jewel necklace. Because he had successfully produced male deities, Susanoo immediately claimed victory, asserting the result proved his heart was pure. However, Amaterasu contested this. She argued that since the gods were born from her jewels, they were her children. Despite her counter-claim, Susanoo's supposed victory did not bring peace. Instead, it emboldened him and his actions began to threaten the order of the heavens.