Okuninushi: An Idealized Object Supplementing Frustrated Desires

Introduction: The God of Mercy Blooming After Trials

In the chronicles of Japanese mythology, if Amaterasu symbolizes the order of the heavens, the one who completed the order of the earth is Okuninushi. Befitting his name, which means ‘Master of the Great Land,’ he is the founding god who built a prosperous nation on a desolate land, and a ‘Phoenix-like’ hero who survived numerous trials and brush-with-death situations.

From a psychoanalytic perspective, Okuninushi’s narrative is not just a success story of a hero. He is an Idealized Object created by the oppressed and alienated people of the time by projecting their frustrated desires, and a psychological indicator showing how our inner inferiority can be transformed into great creative energy.

1. Rebellion of the Youngest: A Hero’s Journey Starting from Inferiority

Okuninushi (initially named Onamuji) was the weakest and most bullied youngest among his brothers. His appearance as he was treated as a porter by his brothers and rescued the White Hare of Inaba shows the typical start of an ‘inferior being.’

Psychological Archetype: The jealousy and death threats from his brothers symbolize the extreme anxiety and sense of crisis that the ego first feels when facing the storms of the world. He is murdered twice by his brothers but is resurrected with the help of his mother and the gods.
Meaning of Resurrection: The repetition of death and resurrection signifies the process of the ‘vulnerable ego’ being reborn as a more solid ‘mature ego’ through trials. His humble beginning actually provides a powerful sense of empathy and hope to the people, suggesting that “even someone like me can become a hero.”

2. Descent into the Underworld: Authority Gained from the Abyss of the Unconscious

Fleeing his brothers, Okuninushi descends into the underworld (Nenokuni), where he encounters Susanoo. By passing the harsh trials imposed by Susanoo, he transforms from a ‘kind person’ into a ‘strong leader.’

Encounter with Susanoo: Facing Susanoo, the symbol of wild and destructive power, signifies the process of encountering one’s own shadow and integrating that energy. Falling in love with Susanoo’s daughter, Suseribime, and stealing Susanoo’s treasures (sword, bow, and koto) to escape represents the peak of Individuation—acquiring one’s own proactive power beyond established authority.
Acquisition of Authority: Upon escaping the underworld, he finally obtains the name ‘Okuninushi.’ This is a mythological device indicating that only those who have passed through the abyss of the unconscious (the underworld) gain the authority to rule the earth (consciousness).

3. Nation-Building (Kunizukuri): Resources Filling the People’s Lack

Okuninushi obtains a red horse and a helper (Sukunabikona) to build the nation on earth. He is not a conqueror who subjugates the land by force, but a ‘healer’ and a ‘giver’ who teaches agriculture and medicine and prevents disasters.

Compensatory Idealization: To the ancient people suffering from harsh rule and poverty in the real world, Okuninushi was a symbol of a ‘benevolent father’ who understood and embraced their pain.
Psychological Function: The collective unconscious creates an ideal existence that can supplement deficiency as the deprivation in reality increases. The image of abundance and healing possessed by Okuninushi served as a psychological buffer restoring the damaged self-esteem of the people.

4. Yielding and Retirement: Emptying the Seat of the Mature Ego

At the end of the myth, Okuninushi yields the country he built to the heavenly gods (Kuniyuzuri) and goes into seclusion.

Overcoming Narcissism: Letting go of the power built with great effort is a model of a mature personality that has overcome self-reflective narcissism. He hands over the earthly ruling power but remains a god who rules the invisible spiritual world (the Hidden World).
Completion of Integration: This shows the process of spiritual integration, returning to the essential inner world of life without being obsessed only with realistic achievements.

Conclusion: Does ‘Okuninushi’ Live Within You?

Okuninushi’s narrative asks us: “Is the trial and inferiority bothering you now perhaps a test from the underworld to build a greater nation?”

We all start as the humble youngest in our respective lives. We sometimes shed tears at others’ disregard and trials, and sometimes wander through the underworld of the mind. But when we pass through those times of pain without giving up, we finally gain ‘self-belief,’ the qualification to build the nation that is our life. Today, instead of blaming your deficiencies, believe in the possibility of resurrection hidden within them. You have already begun preparing to manage your own nation.

Read More: