The Oldest Record of Japanese Mythology: How Was Kojiki Created?
What is Kojiki?
Kojiki is Japan’s oldest historical record, completed in 712. It documents myths, legends, and early imperial history, including the creation of the Japanese islands and the stories of gods like Izanagi and Amaterasu.
The Historical Context of Kojiki
Kojiki was commissioned by Emperor Tenmu to unify Japan’s various myths and traditions. It aimed to legitimize the imperial family’s divine ancestry and consolidate national identity during a time of political and cultural change.
The Compilation Process
Kojiki was compiled from oral traditions by Hieda no Are, who recited the stories, and O no Yasumaro, who transcribed them. Their efforts preserved Japan’s oral history in written form for the first time.
The Structure and Content of Kojiki
Kojiki is divided into three parts: the upper volume focuses on creation myths, the middle volume on the first emperors, and the lower volume on early imperial history.
コメント