Yatagarasu

Yatagarasu (八咫烏) is a mythical three-legged crow and a divine guide in Shinto mythology. Revered since ancient times, its image has been passed down through generations. The name "Yatagarasu" translates to "eight-span crow," and the bird's appearance is traditionally interpreted as a sign of divine will or intervention from Heaven.

As a crow deity, Yatagarasu is most closely associated with guidance. According to legend, the great crow was sent from Heaven by the god Takamimusubi to assist the legendary Emperor Jimmu on his journey from the region later known as Kumano to the future Yamato region (present-day Yoshino and Kashihara). While Yatagarasu is commonly believed to be an incarnation of Kamotaketsunumi no Mikoto, early historical texts do not confirm this identification explicitly.