Kotoshironushi

Kotoshironushi
Genealogy
Parents
ConsortTamakushi-hime
ChildrenHimetataraisuzu-hime, Isuzuyori-hime

Kotoshironushi (事代主神), also known as Yae Kotoshironushi no kami (八重言代主神), is a Shinto kami.

In the Kojiki, Kotoshironushi is the son of Ōkuninushi, the earthly deity of Izumo province. When the heavenly deities sent Takemikazuchi to conquer Izumo, Ōkuninushi deferred the decision over whether to resist to his two sons. Kotoshironushi, who had been fishing at the time of Takemikazuchi's arrival, agreed to accept the rule of the heavenly gods, surrendered his spear and left Izumo.[2] His brother Takeminakata fought with Takemikazuchi and was defeated.[3]

Kotoshironushi is the principal deity of the Asuka shrine,[4] and is associated with the god Ebisu.[5] In mythology, he was an adviser to Empress Jingū during her invasion of Korea. He was also one of the eight deities charged with protecting the Imperial Court.[6] His daughter Himetataraisuzu-hime became the consort of Emperor Jimmu.[7]

  1. ^ Philippi, Donald L. (2015). Kojiki. Princeton University Press. pp. 104–112.
  2. ^ Jonathan Edward Kidder (2007). Himiko and Japan's Elusive Chiefdom of Yamatai: Archaeology, History, and Mythology. University of Hawaii Press. p. 116. ISBN 978-0-8248-3035-9.
  3. ^ J. Hackin (1932). Asiatic Mythology: A Detailed Description and Explanation of the Mythologies of All the Great Nations of Asia. Asian Educational Services. p. 395. ISBN 978-81-206-0920-4.
  4. ^ R. A. B. Ponsonby-Fane (3 June 2014). Studies In Shinto & Shrines. Routledge. pp. 499–500. ISBN 978-1-136-89294-3.
  5. ^ Norman Havens; Nobutaka Inoue (2006). An Encyclopedia of Shinto (Shinto Jiten): Kami. Institute for Japanese Culture and Classics Kokugakuin University. p. 88. ISBN 978-4-905853-08-4.
  6. ^ William Aston (11 December 2013). Shinto (The Way of the Gods). Adegi Graphics LLC. p. 172. ISBN 978-0-543-01408-5.
  7. ^ Atsushi, Kadoya. "Kotoshironushi". Encyclopedia of Shinto. Retrieved 14 September 2015.