Long long ago there lived gods and goddesses in Japan. Amaterasu was a beautiful and loving goddess who ruled over the sun and the fields of rice that the Japanese people lived on. Another goddess, Uzume, was less powerful. Uzume was responsible for laughter, celebration, and the ancient practice of drumming.

Question

Amaterasu and her brother Susano-o didn’t get along. In fact, they were rivals. One day, Susano-o, who was violent and angry, attacked her. She became extremely sad and grieved and grieved. She went to a dark cave in the mountains. No matter how much others pleaded, she refused to return to the heavens.

Without Amaterasu, the sun didn’t shine. Without the sun, the crops didn’t grow. Without the crops, the world was at a risk of famine. Entire world sank into darkness. Evil spirits began to roam the Earth.

Many gods tried to draw Amaterasu from the cave. Only Uzume was successful. She dressed in flowers and danced on an upturned washtub. Other gods began to laugh at Uzume’s performance. When the uproar was too much, Amaterasu took a peek from her cave. At that moment, Uzume pulled her out of the cave, and light returned to the world. The world has been bright ever since. Long long ago there lived gods and goddesses in Japan. Amaterasu was a beautiful and loving goddess who ruled over the sun and the fields of rice that the Japanese people lived on. Another goddess, Uzume, was less powerful. Uzume was responsible for laughter, celebration, and the ancient practice of drumming.

Amaterasu and her brother Susano-o didn’t get along. In fact, they were rivals. One day, Susano-o, who was violent and angry, attacked her. She became extremely sad and grieved and grieved. She went to a dark cave in the mountains. No matter how much others pleaded, she refused to return to the heavens.

Without Amaterasu, the sun didn’t shine. Without the sun, the crops didn’t grow. Without the crops, the world was at a risk of famine. Entire world sank into darkness. Evil spirits began to roam the Earth.

Many gods tried to draw Amaterasu from the cave. Only Uzume was successful. She dressed in flowers and danced on an upturned washtub. Other gods began to laugh at Uzume’s performance. When the uproar was too much, Amaterasu took a peek from her cave. At that moment, Uzume pulled her out of the cave, and light returned to the world. The world has been bright ever since. Long long ago there lived gods and goddesses in Japan. Amaterasu was a beautiful and loving goddess who ruled over the sun and the fields of rice that the Japanese people lived on. Another goddess, Uzume, was less powerful. Uzume was responsible for laughter, celebration, and the ancient practice of drumming.

Amaterasu and her brother Susano-o didn’t get along. In fact, they were rivals. One day, Susano-o, who was violent and angry, attacked her. She became extremely sad and grieved and grieved. She went to a dark cave in the mountains. No matter how much others pleaded, she refused to return to the heavens.

Without Amaterasu, the sun didn’t shine. Without the sun, the crops didn’t grow. Without the crops, the world was at a risk of famine. Entire world sank into darkness. Evil spirits began to roam the Earth.

Many gods tried to draw Amaterasu from the cave. Only Uzume was successful. She dressed in flowers and danced on an upturned washtub. Other gods began to laugh at Uzume’s performance. When the uproar was too much, Amaterasu took a peek from her cave. At that moment, Uzume pulled her out of the cave, and light returned to the world. The world has been bright ever since. Many ancient myths include messages and themes that are relevant today. What is the message the author conveys in this ancient story?
Responses

A Japan's gods and goddesses were powerful and should be avoided. Japan's gods and goddesses were powerful and should be avoided.

B This story is a myth without a theme. This story is a myth without a theme.

C Bullying can dim the light of others. Bullying can dim the light of others.

D It's wrong for sisters and brothers to fight

Answer 1

C Bullying can dim the light of others.

This option reflects the theme of the story, where Susano-o's aggressive behavior toward Amaterasu leads to her withdrawal and the subsequent darkness in the world. Uzume's successful attempt to bring Amaterasu back highlights the importance of joy and support in overcoming sadness and conflict.