Endless Myth and Susano-Oh (Shuten Dōji)

— Cosmic Myth and the Revival of Indigenous Mythology —

The novel Endless Myth and Susano-Oh (Shuten Dōji) by Go Nagai differ greatly in scale and subject matter, yet they resonate in their shared goal of reconstructing myth.

One builds a mythology on a multiversal scale, while the other reinterprets Japanese myth and indigenous traditions.

This article compares them through the lenses of myth structure, worldview, character, and the recreation of myth.

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1. Form of Myth: Infinite Construction vs. Reinterpretation of Ancient Myth

Endless Myth is a mythology of infinite expansion.
It constructs new myth through multiverses, omniversal layers, and conceptual systems.

Susano-Oh (Shuten Dōji) reinterprets existing mythology.
Drawing from Japanese myth—particularly the figure of Susanoo—it transforms traditional narratives into a new form.

In short:

Endless Myth: newly constructed myth
Susano-Oh: reimagined ancient myth

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2. Worldview: Cosmos vs. Indigenous Landscape

Endless Myth takes place across the cosmos.
Its foundation lies in abstract, layered structures of existence.

Susano-Oh is rooted in an indigenous worldview.
Japanese myth, folklore, and the memory of the land shape its narrative.

Thus:

Endless Myth: abstract cosmos
Susano-Oh: grounded mythic landscape

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3. Characters: Conceptual Entities vs. Reinterpreted Gods

Characters in Endless Myth often embody elements of a cosmic structure or conceptual roles.

In Susano-Oh, gods themselves are reinterpreted.
They are not distant, perfect beings but entities with human traits, violence, and raw emotion.

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4. Violence and Myth: Creation and Destruction

A defining feature of Go Nagai’s works is the expression of raw energy and violence.

In Susano-Oh, myth is not static or serene—
it is forged through intense conflict and destruction.

Similarly, in Endless Myth, the universe is not stable.
It fluctuates, collapses, and is rebuilt continuously.

Both works suggest:

myth is not fixed—it is something that constantly transforms

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5. Recreating Myth: Universality vs. Individuality

Endless Myth universalizes myth.
It presents a structure that applies across all existence and realities.

Susano-Oh personalizes myth.
It reshapes Japanese mythology into a distinct and individual vision.

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6. Essence of Myth: Structure vs. Primordial Energy

Endless Myth presents myth as structure—
a system of infinite existence.

Susano-Oh presents myth as primordial energy—
a force of violence, life, and instinct.

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Conclusion: Is Myth Created or Revived?

Endless Myth and Susano-Oh represent two different approaches to myth:

Endless Myth: myth as construction
Susano-Oh: myth as revival

The former expands myth from nothing into infinity.
The latter brings ancient myth back into the modern world.

And this comparison leads to a central question:

Is myth something we create—
or something we rediscover and awaken?

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