Miyakëki Part One

The Miyakëki is a text reporting the legends of the Izu Mishima tradition. The Izu Peninsula, to the west of Tokyo, and the Izu Islands, stretching south from the peninsula, formed one of the ancient provinces of Japan, and jinja dedicated to Mishima Daimyōjin and associated kami are found throughout the region. The historical centre of the tradition was the islands, and specifically Miyakëjima, but the text forming the basis for these essays was copied by a priest of an important jinja at the south of the peninsula, about 200 years ago. The legends themselves may go back centuries more, possibly to the thirteenth century, or even earlier. The myths show clear influence of Buddhism, but are also the foundation myths of a number of locally important jinja, enshrining kami who have little connection to the myths of the Imperial court. This essay provides a close paraphrase of the early parts of the text.

Torii image © Dean Spencer, used with permission. All rights reserved.