Since Sarumenokimi, who was regarded as a descendant of Amenouzume, was engaged in rituals for the repose of souls, the original form of kagura may be considered to have been an entertainment of the gods accompanying formal rituals for repose and the shaking of souls.
アメノウズメの子孫とされる猿女君は宮中において鎮魂の儀に携わっており、このことから神楽の元々の形は鎮魂・魂振に伴う神遊びであったとも考えられる。