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The Myths of Japan: The Creation of the Gods

With the world ready to be populated, Izanami gives birth to a wide variety of deities, who inhabit the eight divine islands and control the elements. Among these are the gods of wind, water, trees, mountains, and plains, as well as various household deities and other spirits. They spread out into the world, and in turn produce even more deities. However, while birthing the god of fire, Izanami suffers severe burns. As she writhes in agony, more deities, including those of mining, soil, and agriculture, emerge from her bodily fluids. She dies of her wounds, having given birth to a total of 14 islands and 35 gods.