This book is designed to introduce middle school students to the Shinto Religion through its gods and stories. Included in the book: Introduction Gods: Amaterasu - The sun goddess and one of the most important deities in Shinto. Susanoo - The storm and sea deity, brother of Amaterasu. Tsukuyomi - The moon god and another sibling of Amaterasu. Inari - The deity of rice, fertility, and prosperity, often associated with foxes. Izanagi - The god of creation and life, along with his partner Izanami. Izanami - The goddess of creation and death, partner of Izanagi. Ame-no-Uzume - The goddess of dawn and mirth Hachiman - The god of war, divine protector of Japan, & patron of the samurai. Sarutahiko - The deity associated with the earth and guide to the heavenly kami. Omoikane - The deity of wisdom and intelligence. Ebisu - The god of fishermen, good fortune, and workingmen. Daikokuten - The deity of wealth, commerce, and prosperity. Benzaiten - The goddess of love, beauty, and music. Fujin - The god of wind. Raijin - The god of thunder and lightning. Myths: Creation Myth (Kojiki and Nihon Shoki): Describes the origins of the Japanese archipelago and the birth of the divine siblings Izanagi and Izanami, who played a key role in creating the Japanese islands and other deities. Amaterasu and the Cave (Ama-no-Iwato): Tells the story of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, who retreated into a cave, plunging the world into darkness. Her return brought light back to the world and symbolizes the cycle of day and night. Susano-o and the Yamata-no-Orochi: Describes the heroic deeds of Susano-o, the storm god, who slew the eight-headed serpent Orochi to save the princess Kushinada-hime. Hoori and Toyotama-hime: Chronicles the adventures of Hoori, who descends to the dragon palace under the sea to retrieve a lost fishhook. He marries Toyotama-hime, a princess of the sea. Ame-no-Uzume and the Dance at the Rock Cave: Recounts the story of Ame-no-Uzume, who performed a lively dance to coax the sun goddess Amaterasu out of hiding in the cave, bringing light back to the world. Izanagi's Journey to Yomi (Underworld): Describes Izanagi's journey to the underworld in search of his deceased wife, Izanami. However, the encounter takes a dark turn, leading to the creation of various deities. Okuninushi and the White Hare of Inaba: Narrates the adventures of Okuninushi, a deity associated with healing, who helps a white hare deceived by other gods. Tengu and Ushiwaka-maru (Minamoto no Yoshitsune): Involves the legendary samurai Minamoto no Yoshitsune and his encounter with Tengu, supernatural creatures often depicted with crow-like features. The Tale of the Heavenly Bow (Ame-no-Yumi-ga-Kure): Tells the story of the heavenly bow that played a crucial role in the defeat of the monstrous deity who caused illnesses. Urashima Taro and the Turtle: Describes the tale of Urashima Taro, a fisherman who saves a turtle, leading to an encounter with the Dragon Palace under the sea and a time-bending journey. Legacy of the Shinto Religion