Amaterasu and the Cave of Darkness: Tales from Gods

High above the human world, Amaterasu fills heaven and earth with the brilliant light of the sun. But peace in the High Plain of Heaven begins to crumble when her stormy brother Susanoo arrives and lets his pride run wild. Sacred fields are ruined, heavenly order is shattered, and one terrible act finally drives Amaterasu beyond what she can endure. The sun goddess retreats into the Heavenly Rock Cave and seals the entrance behind her, taking her light with her. Darkness spreads across creation, crops weaken, strange forces grow bolder, and the other kami gather desperately to find a way to bring her back. Their answer is one of the most unusual plans in mythology, filled with sacred jewels, a shining mirror, crowing roosters, music, laughter, and the wildly joyful dance of Ame-no-Uzume. Yet Amaterasu has chosen the silence of the cave, and even the cleverest plan will fail unless something can tempt her toward the stone door. As the gods turn the darkness outside into an impossible celebration, curiosity begins to stir within the hidden goddess. Can laughter, trickery, and one mysterious reflection persuade the sun to shine upon the world again?