Futodama

Futodama (布刀玉命) is a god in Japanese mythology, claimed to be the ancestor of Inbe clan, whose characteristics are believed to reflect the functions of the clan as court ritualists.

Name and etymology

The god is known as Ame-no-Futodama-no-Mikoto (天太玉命) or Futodama (布刀玉, 太玉) for short. His name is speculated to mean great gift or offering.

Myths[edit]
After Susanoo accidentally killed one of Amaterasu's attendants in her weaving hall. She got upset and locked herself in Amano-Iwato causing the world to plunge into darkness, so Omoikane and other gods came up with a plan to get her out.

Futodama and Amenokoyane were tasked with performing a divination.

After Amaterasu left the cave, Futodama used a shimenawa to prevent her from going back to the cave again. This story is said to be the mythical origin of shimenawa.

In Kogo shūi, Futodama is placed as the leader of the preformed rituals.