Research on the formation of mythical ancient Izumo image in the region and its historical character

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K00982
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 03020:Japanese history-related
• Research Institution: Shimane University
• Principal Investigator: Obinata Katsumi 島根大学, 学術研究院人文社会科学系, 教授 (80221860)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 出雲 / 神話 / 伝承地 / 歴史意識 / 出雲国風土記 / 国引 / 野見宿禰

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This Reserch clarified in detail how Uchiyama Matatsu conducted his research in Izumo Province and how his findings were reflected in "Izumo Fudoki Kai" and other works, leading to the formation of the ancient Izumo image. The paper also clarified how the myth of “Kunibiki”, the myth of the formation of the Land of Izumo described in the Izumo-no-kuni Fudoki was transformed into a myth of the expansion of the land of Japan in modern times while being linked to wars. Furthermore, the author clarified when and how the legend of Nomi no Sukune who was summoned from Izumo to the Yamato court and wrestled with Taima no Kehaya, was formed and honored.
Through these studies, we were able to present an image of the region of Izumo and its mythological antiquity, a mythical image of ancient Izumo, and some aspects of the formation of historical consciousness.

Free Research Field

日本古代史

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

神話・伝説の伝承地の形成と神話的古代の実体化の一端を明らかできたことは、神話・古代とつながる地域の歴史意識の形成の問題を考えるためにも重要な成果である。その問題は同時に、歴史認識とは何か、歴史とは何かという根源的な問いでもある。その問いを通じて、現在の古代史認識を再検討し、新たな古代史像をつくるための基礎的な成果を示すことができだ点に、学術的意義があり、またた地域の歴史像を見直し、今後の地域社会のあり様に対する課題を提示するという現代の社会に対する意義もある。