Amatsumara(天津麻羅) (“one eye of heaven”) or (ironworker of heaven) also known as “Amenomahitotsu” (Heaven's Eye One Kami) is the Shinto kami of ironworking and blacksmiths, was discussed in the kojiki [1] and is associated with the giant yokai Daidara-bocchi [2] He is also the patron kami for black smiths.[3]

He acts as a blacksmith for the gods up in Takamagahara. In many versions, he made a mirror with the help of Ishikori-dome, which was used to lure Amaterasu from her hiding place in the rock cave of heaven.[4]

Name

The name Amatsumara means ma-ura ("eye divination"), which some believe means "one-eyed," in reference to the hazard of blacksmiths.[4]

References

  1. ↑ "The Kojiki Index".
  2. ↑ "Amatsumara • A History of Japan - 日本歴史". A History of Japan - 日本歴史.
  3. ↑ Ashkenazi, Michael (2003). Handbook of Japanese Mythology. ABC-CLIO. p. 296. ISBN 978-1-57607-467-1.
  4. 1 2 "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home : Kami in Classic Texts : Amatsumara". eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp.
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