Nunakawahime

Nunakawahime is a Shinto goddess.^[2]

Nunakawahime
Major cult centre	Amatsu Shrine, Kota Shrine
Genealogy
Spouse	Ōkuninushi
Children	Kinomata (Kimata), Shitateruhime [ja], Ajisukitakahikone, Kotoshironushi,[1] Takeminakata and others

She is worshipped in Shinto, known particularly for her association with 'sound' and 'ringing'. She helps people sing.^[2]

She is the mother of Takeminakata.^[3] and Kotoshironushi.^[4]

Nunakawahime is especially sought after by expectant mothers, as she is believed to grant easy childbirth and blessings of children.^[2]

Nunakawahime is a character in the Kojiki, an ancient Japanese text. She is not mentioned in the Nihon Shoki. In the Kojiki, there is a story about Ōkuninushi. He went to Koshi No Kuni to propose to Nunakawahime. He stood outside her house and recited a poem. He wanted to marry her. Nunakawahime was hesitant at first. But the next day, she accepted with a poem. They got married.^[2]

Legacy

Nunakawahime is not often mentioned in historical texts. But she is known for her love of poetry and her calm nature. She helps women in important times like childbirth. Many women look up to her for support and advice..^[2]

For those involved in professions or hobbies related to poetry or song, it is customary to honor Nunakawahime, as it is believed that doing so brings joy to the goddess.^[2]

Associated shrines

• Nunagawa Jinja: Located in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture.
• Suwataisha Simosha Akimiya Koyasusha: Found in the Suwa District of Nagano Prefecture.

Family tree

• v
• t
• e

Ōyamatsumi[5][6][7]

Susanoo[8][9][10]: 277

Kamuo Ichihime[6][7][11][12]

Konohanachiru-hime[13][10]: 277

Ashinazuchi[14][15]

Tenazuchi[15]

Toshigami[12][11]

Ukanomitama[6][7] (Inari)[16]

Oyamakui[17]

Kushinadahime[15][18][10]: 277

Yashimajinumi[13][10]: 277

Kagutsuchi[19]

Kuraokami[20]

Hikawahime [ja][21][10]: 278

Fuha-no-Mojikunusunu [ja][10]: 278

Fukabuchi-no-Mizuyarehana [ja][10]: 278

Ame-no-Tsudoechine [ja][10]: 278

Funozuno [ja][10]: 278

Sashikuni Okami [ja][10]: 278

Omizunu[10]: 278

Futemimi [ja][10]: 278

Sashikuni Wakahime [ja][10]: 278

Ame-no-Fuyukinu[22][23][10]: 278

Takamimusubi[24][25]

Futodama[24][25]

Nunakawahime[26]

Ōkuninushi[27][10]: 278  (Ōnamuchi)[28]

Kamotaketsunumi no Mikoto[29]

Kotoshironushi[30][31]

Tamakushi-hime[29]

Takeminakata[32][33]

Susa Clan[34]

JAPANESE EMPERORS

711–585 BC Jimmu[35] 660–585 BC(1)

Himetataraisuzu-hime[35]

Kamo no Okimi[30][36]

Mirahime [ja]

632–549 BC Suizei[37][38][39] 581–549 BC(2)

Isuzuyori-hime[36][40]

Hikoyai[37][38][39]

Kamuyaimimi[37][38][39] d.577 BC

Miwa clan and Kamo clan

Nunasokonakatsu-hime[41][30]

Imperial House of Japan

Ō clan[42][43] and Aso clan[44]

• Pink is female.
• Blue is male.
• Grey means other or unknown.
• Clans, families, people groups are in green.