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Asia
Explore myths, traditions and legendary beings grouped under Asia.
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Ryujin
Ryujin (Japanese: 龍神, commonly written Ryūjin in romanisation) is a Japanese dragon deity associated with the sea, water, rain and the power of the tides. The name literally means “dragon god” or “dragon deity,” and it d…
Samebito
Samebito is a mysterious aquatic being associated chiefly with Japanese folklore and with the undersea world of the Dragon King. The name is usually written 鮫人 and can be translated as “shark person” or “shark-man.” In E…
Sanbai-sama
Sanbai-sama is a regional Japanese agricultural kami associated especially with rice cultivation, the beginning of the planting season, and the fertility of the rice fields. The name is also written or romanised in more …
Sengen-sama
Sengen-sama is a respectful Japanese name for the deity or sacred presence associated with Sengen, also read Asama, shrines and with the worship of Mount Fuji. In many shrine traditions, Sengen-sama is identified with Ko…
Sarutahiko
Sarutahiko, also called Sarutahiko Ōkami or Sarutahiko-no-Kami, is a major earthly kami in Japanese mythology and Shinto tradition. He is best known as the powerful deity who stands at the boundary between the heavenly a…
Seidai Myojin
Seidai Myojin is an obscure and uncertain name associated with Japanese religious tradition. Unlike Amaterasu, Susanoo, Inari, or other widely documented kami, Seidai Myojin does not appear as a clearly identifiable figu…
Shichi Fukujin
Shichi Fukujin, also written Shichifukujin, are the “Seven Lucky Gods” of Japan. They are a group of seven deities and legendary holy figures associated with happiness, prosperity, longevity, protection, wisdom and succe…
Shojo
Shōjō (猩々 or 猩猩, also written shōjō and commonly rendered as Shojo) is a legendary red-haired, red-faced being associated in Japan with the sea, sake, dancing and uninhibited celebration. It is best known through the cla…
Shoki
Shoki (Japanese: Shōki; Chinese: Zhong Kui) is a legendary demon-queller associated with protection against evil spirits, illness and misfortune. Although Shoki is often discussed within Japanese mythology, his immediate…
Sojobo
Sōjōbō (also written Sojobo or Sōjōbō) is a powerful tengu associated with Mount Kurama in Kyoto, Japan. In Japanese legend, he is often described as the king or chief of the tengu who inhabit the mountain. His best-know…
Yomi
Yomi, also called Yomi no kuni or the “Land of Yomi,” is the realm of the dead in early Japanese mythology. It is best known from the story of the creator kami Izanagi and Izanami, preserved most fully in the Kojiki of 7…