In Shintō , the sun goddess from whom the Japanese royal family traditionally claims descent.
She was given domain over heaven while her brother, the storm god Susanoo, was set to rule over the sea. The two produced children together, but Susanoo began to behave rudely and destructively, and Amaterasu withdrew in protest into a cave, plunging the world into darkness. She was lured out by the other gods and goddesses, and a rope was placed over its entrance to prevent her return. Her chief place of worship is the Grand Shrine of Ise , Shintō's most important shrine.