Kagutsuchi

Kagutsuchi's History

Kagutsuchi was the child of Izanagi and Izanami, the two divine creator gods in Japanese mythology. Izanami gave birth to Kagutsuchi after already birthing many other deities. However, Kagutsuchi's fiery nature killed his mother during the birthing process. According to the creation myth detailed in sources like the Kojiki, Kagutsuchi's birth destroyed Izanami's body as she was enveloped in his flames.

Before dying, Izanami gave birth to another deity - Mizuhame, the god of water, who was said to counteract Kagutsuchi's fiery power. In the Kojiki version, Izanagi immediately slew Kagutsuchi after his difficult birth, cutting him into eight pieces that became volcanoes. Kagutsuchi's blood also became notable water deities. As the god of fire, Kagutsuchi constantly emitted flames and was too hot to touch without being burned. He represented the dangerous yet creative power of fire. Kagutsuchi was especially worshiped by craftsmen like blacksmiths who worked with fire in their professions. He was seen as their patron deity.

One major shrine dedicated to Kagutsuchi was the Atago Shrine located in Kyoto. His fiery birth story remains one of the most well-known myths in Japanese mythology about the Earth's creation.