Yomi-no-kuni (lit., the World of Darkness) is the realm of the dead, the underworld. It is ruled by Izanami-no-Mikoto, after her death. Once one has eaten at the hearth of Yomi it is impossible to return to the land of the living. It is most commonly known for Izanami's retreat after her death. The realm of the dead has geographical continuity with this world, and cannot be thought of as a paradise to which one would aspire, nor can it be described as a hell in which one suffers retribution for past deeds. All of those who are dead carry on a gloomy and shadowy existence regardless of their behaviour in life.