Kanda-koro-kamuy is the Ainu ''

kamuy A ''kamuy'' ( ain, カムィ; ja, カムイ, kamui) is a spiritual or divine being in Ainu mythology, a term denoting a supernatural entity composed of or possessing spiritual energy. The Ainu people have many myths about the ''kamuy'', passed ...

'' (''god'') of the sky. He is the prime originator of Ainu mythology, responsible either directly or indirectly for the creation of all things.

Mythology

While Kanda-koro-kamuy is believed to be a powerful ''kamuy'', he is not presented as a supreme being. He is also in many ways a background figure: while his presence was necessary for the creation of the world, he plays only a small part in subsequent events, often as a mediator.Ashkenazy, Michael. ''Handbook of Japanese Mythology''. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-Clio, 2003. 192-193 He is considered the overseer and master of the sky, much as

Cikap-kamuy Cikap-kamuy (also called Kotan-kor-kamuy, which should not be confused with Kotan-kar-kamuy) is the Ainu ''kamuy'' (''god'') of owls and the land. He is responsible for overseeing the behavior of humans and ''kamuy''. He is considered a deity of ...

is the overseer of the land. He appointed Mosir-kara-kamuy to shape the earth, preparing it for inhabitation by humankind.

Notes

References

*Ashkenazy, Michael. ''Handbook of Japanese Mythology''. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-Clio, 2003. *Etter, Carl. ''Ainu Folklore: Traditions and Culture of the Vanishing Aborigines of Japan''. Chicago: Wilcox and Follett, 1949. *Munro, Neil Gordon. ''Ainu Creed and Cult''. New York: Columbia University Press, 1995. {{Japan-myth-stub Ainu kamuy Creator gods Sky and weather gods