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Yamato-takeru, on his way to subdue the eastern country (modern Hokkaidô) as the Emperor had ordered, is shipwrecked in Hashirimizu Strait in Sagami-no-kuni (modern Kanagawa Prefecture). Ototachibana-hime jumps into the water to appease the sea god, saving Yamato-takeru. On his way home from the eastern country, he tries to conquer the Great Demon God of Mt. Ibuki in Ômi-no-kuni (modern Shiga Prefecture), but the god's power is too great to be overcome. Ototachibana-hime's divine spirit appears and rescues him. He again tries to conquer the Great Demon God but falls victim to his powers and perishes. Ototachibana-hime guides his spirit to heaven, where they gain entry to the Palace of the Swan and pledge their love to one another. (Yamato-takeru's mausoleum is called the Swan Mausoleum because he is said to have changed into a swan when he died. It is located at Nobono in Mie Prefecture.)

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NPO Hiroshima kagura Art Laboratory

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