Then follows the mysterious story of the death of the hero. He went to the land of Shinanu, in which Ohonamochi had taken refuge when Japan was being subdued for the ruler chosen by the sun-goddess, and where, being pursued and threatened with death, Ohonamochi consented to abdicate and take up his abode in a temple. The country takes its name from shina, a tree resembling the lime,[10] and nu or no, “moor”. Yamato-Take entered [[383]]this land through Shinanu Pass (Shinanu no saka), between the provinces of Shinano and Mino. He overcame the deity of the pass, and went to dwell in the house of Princess Miyazu, of fragrant and slender arms. She welcomed him with love. In the house of the princess he left the Kusanagi sword, and went forth against the deity of evil breath (or influence) on Mount Ibuki. As he climbed the mountain he met a white boar, big as a bull. Believing it was a messenger of the deity, he vowed he would slay it when he returned, and continued to climb the mountain. But the boar was not a messenger; it was the very deity in person, and it sent a heavy ice-rain.[11] The rain-smitten and perplexed hero was thus misled by the deity.
On descending the mountain, Yamato-Take reached the fresh spring of Tama-kura-be (the “Jewel-store-tribe”). He drank from it, and revived somewhat. The spring was afterwards called Wi-same (the “well of awakening” or “resting”).
Then Yamato-Take departed, and reached the moor of Tagi,[12] lamenting the loss of bodily strength. He passed on to Cape Wotsu in Ise, and there found a sword he had left at a pine tree, and sang:
“O pine tree, my brother,
If thou wert a person,
My sword and my garments
To thee would I give”.
Having sung this song, he proceeded on his way, yearning for his native land, delightful Yamato, situated [[384]]behind Mount Awogaki. His next song was one of love and regret.
“How sweet o’er the skies
From Yamato, my home,