In the mythological age of Japan, before the great shrine of Izumo Taisha was constructed to honor the deities of the land, there lived a young god known as Onamuji, who would later be celebrated across the islands as Okuninushi, the Great Land Master. Onamuji was a gentle and compassionate deity, but his life was filled with extreme hardship and danger. His eighty cruel brothers, driven by intense jealousy over his virtues and his betrothal to the beautiful Princess Yakami, sought his destruction at every turn. They tricked him, crushed him with red-hot boulders, and trapped him within split trees, killing him multiple times, only for his loving mother and the heavenly deities to restore him to life. Realizing that he could never find peace or safety in the lands of Izumo while his brothers plotted his demise, his mother advised him to seek refuge in Ne-no-Kuni, the mysterious Underworld or Root Land. It was there, in the deep, subterranean realm of shadows, that the great storm god Susanoo resided after his banishment from the High Celestial Plain of Takamagahara.
Onamuji descended into the dark depths of Ne-no-Kuni, seeking the counsel, protection, and ultimate patronage of Susanoo. Yet, the Underworld was not a place of easy sanctuary, and Susanoo was not a deity to bestow his blessings lightly. Upon arriving at the palace of the storm god, Onamuji did not immediately encounter the formidable patriarch. Instead, he was met by Susanoo's beautiful daughter, Princess Suserihime. The moment their eyes met, an extraordinary bond of love and spiritual connection was forged. Suserihime was instantly captivated by the young god's noble spirit and gentle demeanor, while Onamuji found himself enchanted by her grace, strength, and hidden mystical knowledge. They immediately pledged their devotion to one another, exchanging vows of love. Suserihime returned to her father's grand hall and announced that a remarkably handsome and worthy deity had arrived at their gates, seeking an audience.
Susanoo, however, was not easily impressed. Looking upon the young Onamuji, the fierce storm god saw not a peer, but a weakling who had fled his brothers' petty rivalries. Susanoo decided that if this young visitor wished to survive in the Underworld, let alone wed his daughter and claim sovereignty over the earthly realm of Ashihara no Nakatsukuni, he must first prove his divine strength, resilience, and spiritual fortitude through a series of near-impossible, lethal trials. The storm god smiled a cold, testing smile and welcomed Onamuji into his dwelling, offering him lodging for the night. However, this lodging was no ordinary guest chamber. Susanoo commanded that Onamuji be slept in the Room of Snakes—a dark, claustrophobic vault teeming with thousands of highly aggressive, venomous serpents that writhed, hissed, and struck at any living creature that dared cross the threshold.
Suserihime, deeply alarmed by her father’s cruel intentions, knew that her beloved, despite his divine nature, would not survive the night against such an overwhelming mass of toxic, snapping fangs. She possessed deep knowledge of the magical arts and the sacred textiles of the Underworld. Secretly, before Onamuji was sealed inside the terrifying vault, she approached him in the shadows. From beneath her robes, she drew forth a beautiful, shimmering scarf woven with sacred, protective energies—a magical garment known as a hire. Placing the delicate fabric into his hands, she whispered urgent instructions: 'When the aggressive snakes rise to strike and bite you, do not panic. Take this scarf, hold it high, and wave it three times before them. The power within this cloth will subdue their malice, calm their venom, and keep them at bay.'
With Suserihime's words echoing in his mind, Onamuji was pushed into the pitch-black chamber, and the heavy wooden doors were barred shut from the outside. Instantly, the oppressive air filled with the dry, terrifying sound of countless scales sliding over stone. The red eyes of thousands of snakes glowed in the darkness, and their venomous fangs dripped with lethal poison as they sensed an intruder. As the serpents coiled, hissed, and reared back to launch a coordinated, deadly strike upon his flesh, Onamuji remembered the princess’s council. Overcoming his fear, he drew forth the shimmering, magical scarf. Standing firm in the center of the dark chamber, he raised the sacred garment and waved it gracefully three times through the air.