“Why does Uzumé dance and why do the gods laugh? I thought both heaven and earth would be sad without me”, said Amaterasu crossly.
“Oh, no,” laughed Uzumé. “We rejoice because we have here a deity who far surpasses you in beauty.”
“Where?” demanded the sun goddess indignantly. “Let me see her!” and as she spoke she caught sight of her own reflection in the mirror.
She had never seen such a thing before and was greatly astonished. She stepped outside her cave to see more plainly this radiant rival, when lo! the god who was waiting, seized her and drew her forth, quickly passing the rope across the cave door to prevent her return. Thus was the sun goddess restored to earth.
Footnotes
“Gods! behold the carven door,
Majesty appears! Rejoice!
Our hearts are fully satisfied!”