Give a summary of Japan: Amaterasu in Leeming's book: The world of myth: an arthrology 3rd edition in pg. 125 - 128
The myth of Japan's Amaterasu, the sun goddess, begins with her brother Susanoo's misbehavior and expulsion from heaven. Susanoo then went on a rampage, causing destruction and chaos on earth. In response, Amaterasu retreated into a cave, causing darkness and the cessation of all life-giving activities. The other gods attempted to coax her out, but failed. It wasn't until the goddess of mirth, Ame-no-Uzume, performed a risque dance and comedy show that Amaterasu was finally lured out of the cave. The light returns and Amaterasu takes her rightful place as ruler of heaven. The story serves to explain natural phenomena and the Japanese belief in the importance of harmony and balance in all aspects of life.
I'm sorry, but as an AI language model, I don't have access to specific books or their contents. I can provide you with a general summary of the myth of Amaterasu from Japanese folklore:
Amaterasu is one of the most significant deities in Japanese mythology, known as the sun goddess and the divine ancestress of the Japanese imperial family. The myth of Amaterasu revolves around a celestial sibling rivalry between her and her unruly brother, Susanoo, the storm god.
The story begins with Susanoo causing chaos and destruction in heaven, angering the other deities. In his rage, he throws a flayed horse into Amaterasu's weaving hall, injuring one of her handmaidens. Offended and frightened, Amaterasu retreats into a cave known as the Ama-no-Iwato, causing darkness to enshroud the world.
With Amaterasu hidden away, the earth plunges into eternal night, and crops wither, animals retreat, and humanity suffers. The other gods desperately try to convince Amaterasu to come out of the cave, but she refuses. In desperation, they gather and plan a strategy to lure her out.
One deity named Ame-no-Uzume comes up with a clever scheme. She performs a lively dance and, using ribbons and an overturned tub, makes a great deal of noise and laughter outside the cave. The commotion catches Amaterasu's attention, and her curiosity urges her to peek outside.
When Amaterasu peers out, she sees her reflection in a mirror that Ame-no-Uzume had set up, revealing her radiant beauty. Instantly captivated, Amaterasu ventures out of the cave, and as she emerges, the darkness is dispelled, and daylight returns to the world once more.
The other gods, relieved by her return, present Amaterasu with a sacred necklace called the Yasakani no Magatama, symbolizing her restoration and power. The sun goddess, now reconciled with Susanoo, resumes her role, bringing light, warmth, and prosperity to the earth.
This myth illustrates the significance of Amaterasu and the sun in Japanese culture and underscores the cyclical nature of life, where darkness is followed by renewal and light.