Susanoo and the Eight-Headed Serpent
Mrs. Oichi■ Hook
A land lived in fear.
Every year,
something was taken.
And no one could stop it.
■ Story
Long ago,
in a quiet land,
there lived an old couple.
They had once had many daughters.
But each year,
one was taken from them.
Until only one remained.
櫛名田比売（Kushinadahime）
They knew
what was coming.
A great serpent—
ヤマタノオロチ(Yamatanoorochi)
A creature with eight heads
and eight tails.
It would come again.
And this time,
their last daughter
would be taken.
Then, a man appeared.
スサノオ(Susanoo)
A god who had once been cast out
from the heavens.
Wild.
Unpredictable.
And far from obedient.
But also—
a being who would act
when it mattered.
He listened to their story.
And made a decision.
“I will stop it.”
But not with strength alone.
He prepared a plan.
Strong sake was placed
in eight containers.
When the serpent arrived,
it drank.
One head.
Then another.
Until all eight heads
fell into a deep sleep.
That was the moment.
Susanoo struck.
And the serpent fell.
From its tail,
he found a sword.
A blade that would later become
草薙の剣(Kusanaginotsurugi)
■ Tips
Visit
A place connected to this story and to 櫛名田比売(Kushinadahime).
You can also explore the Izumo region,
where many stories of スサノオ（Susanoo） remain.
■ Closing
Not all battles are won by strength.
Sometimes,
it is strategy—
and timing.
Fear can rule a land.
But it can also end.
From here on,
your journey continues—
guided by
Oichi,
or one who carries her name.
■ Continue Your Journey
