《古事記》 is an ancient Japanese text, completed in 712 AD, that serves as one of the country's oldest historical records. It compiles myths, legends, and genealogies of the Japanese imperial family, providing insights into the origins of the Shinto religion and the early history of Japan. The work is divided into three main sections: the mythological accounts of the creation of Japan, the stories of the gods, and the historical narratives of the early emperors. It is written in classical Japanese and is considered a crucial source for understanding Japan's cultural and spiritual heritage.