Yatagarasu
Yatagarasu (八咫烏) is a mythical crow[1] and guiding god in Shinto mythology. He is generally known for his three-legged figure, and his picture has been handed down since ancient times.[1] The word means (八咫烏, "eight-span crow")[2] and the appearance of the great bird is construed as evidence of the will of Heaven or divine intervention in human affairs.[3]
Yatagarasu as a crow-god is a symbol specifically of guidance. This great crow was sent from heaven by Takamimusubi as a guide for legendary Emperor Jimmu on his initial journey from the region which would become Kumano to what would become Yamato (Yoshino and then Kashihara). It is g...read more