Kotoshironushi

Kotoshironushi
Personal information
ConsortTamakushi-hime
ChildrenHimetataraisuzu-hime, Isuzuyori-hime
Parents

Kotoshironushi (事代主神), is a deity worshipped in the Shinto religion. The deity is also known as Yae Kotoshironushi no kami (八重言代主神).

According to the Kojiki, Kotoshironushi is the son of Ōkuninushi, who is the earthly deity of Izumo province in Japan. When the heavenly deities sent Takemikazuchi to conquer Izumo,[1] Ōkuninushi left the decision of whether to resist to his two sons. Kotoshironushi, who was fishing at the time of Takemikizuchi's arrival, agreed to accept the rule of the heavenly gods, surrendered his spear, and left Izumo. On the other hand, his brother Takeminakata fought against Takemikazuchi and was defeated.[2]


Kotoshironushi is considered the main deity of the Asuka Shrine[3] and is linked to Ebisu,[4] another Shinto god. In Japanese mythology, Kotoshironushi served as an advisor to Empress Jingū during her invasion of Korea. He was also one of the eight deities responsible for protecting the Imperial Court.[5] He is also known as the father of Himetataraisuzu-hime, who became the wife of Emperor Jimmu.[6]

References

  1. ↑ 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.
  2. ↑ 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.
  3. ↑ R. A. B. Ponsonby-Fane (3 June 2014). Studies In Shinto & Shrines. Routledge. pp. 499–500. ISBN 978-1-136-89294-3.
  4. ↑ 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.
  5. ↑ William Aston (11 December 2013). Shinto (The Way of the Gods). Adegi Graphics LLC. p. 172. ISBN 978-0-543-01408-5.
  6. ↑ Atsushi, Kadoya. "Kotoshironushi". Encyclopedia of Shinto. Retrieved 14 September 2015.