Princess Momoso and the Mononobe Expedition: The Fate of a Shrine Maiden Who Served the Sun God
In ancient Japanese history, there were shrine maidens who could hear the voices of the gods.
Among them, Princess Momoso (Hime no Momoso) is remembered as a particularly mystical figure.
She was a shrine maiden who served the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami and played an important religious role for the Yamato royal authority.
However, as time progressed, the Yamato government increasingly relied on military force to exert control.
At the center of this was the Mononobe clan, who led the Mononobe Expedition. What was the relationship between Princess Momoso and the Mononobe Expedition?
In this video, we explore the legend of Princess Momoso, the background of the Mononobe Expedition, and how worship of the sun god was intertwined.
■ Who was Princess Momoso?
Princess Momosohime (Hime Momosohime), a shrine maiden who appears in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, is known for receiving divine oracles from Omononushi-no-kami. She had a deep connection with the gods and was a religious symbol supporting the legitimacy of the Yamato royal authority. She is thought to have served the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, and her words may have influenced royal decisions.
■ Mononobe Eastern Expedition and the Expansion of the Yamato Government
The Mononobe clan was the military power of the Yamato royal authority, expanding its rule by subjugating powerful clans in various regions.
The Mononobe Eastern Expedition refers to the expedition in which the Mononobe clan led the way as the Yamato government unified the surrounding regions.
As military rule progressed, what position did shrine maidens, who held religious authority, find themselves in?
The influence of shrine maidens who received divine oracles, like Princess Momosohime, is thought to have gradually changed.
■ The Relationship between the Sun God and the Mononobe Clan
The legitimacy of the Yamato monarchy was supported by worship of the sun goddess, Amaterasu Omikami.
However, the Mononobe clan was a clan that placed great importance on military power and is said to have worshiped its own deities.
What significance did the existence of a shrine maiden like Princess Momoso have for the Mononobe clan, who promoted military rule?
Note: This work is based on historical facts and legends, with the addition of literary fiction.
Some of the characters and events depicted may differ from historical fact.
