国常立尊 · くにとこたちのみこと · kami_concepts

Kunitokotachi

Cosmic kami of earth in Shinto cosmogony.

Definition

'Kunitokotachi' is a primordial deity in Shinto cosmogony, representing the earth and its fundamental essence. Brought forth during the creation narrative, Kunitokotachi is often associated with the establishment of land and agricultural practices, embodying the nurturing qualities of the earth. This deity's prominence in the creation myth reflects Shinto's reverence for nature and the importance placed on the earth's sustenance for human life.

Etymology

'Kuni' means country or land, 'toko' means constant or eternal, and 'tachi' indicates deity; it can thus be interpreted as 'the ever-abiding kami of the land.'