「YAMATA NO OROCHI」 Long ago, in the land of Izumo, a terrifying eight-headed serpent called Yamata no Orochi demanded a young maiden as its yearly sacrifice. For seven years, seven daughters had been devoured. Only the youngest, Kushinadahime, remained. The storm god Susanoo came upon her grieving parents and promised to defeat the monster. He ordered eight great vats of strong sake to be prepared, one for each of the serpent's heads. When Orochi arrived, its eight heads drank deeply until the mighty beast fell into a drunken sleep. Susanoo drew his sword and struck down the serpent. Within its enormous tail, he discovered a mysterious sacred sword, later known as Kusanagi. Thus ended the terror of Yamata no Orochi, and Kushinadahime was saved.
