Inari. Mythopedia, 5 Dec. 2022. https://mythopedia.com/topics/inari. In theWorld of Darknessrole-playing game universes,kitsuneappear in both the classicWorld of Darknessand the follow-upChronicles of Darkness. The child then grew through various hardships to call himself Ebisu or Yebisu, thereby becoming the patron god of fishermen, children, and most importantly wealth and fortune. [1] Recent theory suggests that Raijus are essentially a small tree-dwelling creature called hakubishin (Paguma larvata) found in East Asian countries such as China and Taiwan. Her epithet suggests her role as the leader of the gods, with the rulership directly granted by her father Izanagi the creator of many Japanese gods and goddesses. He is the lord of the sea and also of snakes which were considered by the ancient Japanese as a kind of dragon. In total, there are at least 2,970 Inari shrines recognized in Japan today, making them the most common shrine in the country. Jealous Japanese god of the sea who brings good luck to fishermen. Catherine Ludvik (2001), From Sarasvati to Benzaiten, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Toronto, National Library of Canada; List of people who have been considered deities, "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home: Kami in Classic Texts: mononushi", "Akihito and Japan's Imperial Treasures that make a man an emperor", "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home: Kami in Classic Texts: Omodaru, Ayakashikone", "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home: Kami in Classic Texts: Amatsumara", "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home: Kami in Classic Texts: Amenohohi", "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home: Kami in Classic Texts: Tajikarao", "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home: Kami in Classic Texts: Futodama", "Shinto Portal - IJCC, Kokugakuin University", "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home: Kami in Classic Texts: Kawanokami", "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home: Kami in Classic Texts: Kagutsuchi", "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home: Kami in Classic Texts: Mitsuhanome", "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home: Kami in Classic Texts: Nakisawame", "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home: Kami in Classic Texts: Shinatsuhiko", "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home: Kami in Classic Texts: Tamayorihime", "Toyo'uke Goddess of Food worshiped at Ise", "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home: Kami in Classic Texts: Wakahirume", "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home: Kami in Classic Texts: Konohanasakuyahime", "Sugawara Michizane | Japanese scholar and statesman", "Butsuzzui (Illustrated Compendium of Buddhist Images)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Japanese_deities&oldid=1151852513, Articles containing Japanese-language text, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 26 April 2023, at 17:11. All Rights Reserved. 1. Other Indo-European thunder gods shared a . These words literally mean "death" and "god".In Japanese mythology, the world is said to be filled with Kami. Indeed in the late 1200s, the god is said to have repelled Mongolian ships by creating numerous storms at sea, thus preventing enemies from approaching the Japanese coast. In response, Amaterasu broke off with Tsukiyomi by moving to another part of the sky, thus making day and night completely separate. His Latin name luppiter is derived from Dyeu-pater that translates as Day-Father. In the video game Final Fantasy XIV . Inari and their connection tokitsunemake them a prominent deity in Japanese popular culture: In thePersonaseries, a spinoff of the largerMegami Tenseivideo game series, Inari is a persona ofYusuke Kitagawa, who appears in a fox mask and tail. Mad of anger, he cut Kagutsuchi in 8 pieces which gave birth to the 8 Japanese Mountain Gods also called: Yama-no-Kami. The most popular deity of the Norse pantheon, Thor was the god of thunder and the sky, and developed from the earlier Germanic god Donar. He was one of the first children of the goddess in charge of ruling the earth kingdom. Thunder and lightning were regarded as powerful divine events and were associated with various deities. It is the means by which one realizes his true nature as a god and finds ultimate freedom. Hachiman (also called Yahata no kami) epitomizes the syncretism between Shinto and Buddhism in early medieval Japan. Originally an agricultural deity, he later became the guardian of the Minamoto clan. To that end, in Shinto culture, cleansing (harai) is an important part of the ritual before entering the sacred shrines. Chaotic but popular Japanese god of thunder, lightning, and storms. A complex deity with many faces, Inari is variously referred to as male, female, and androgynous, depending on the context. This field takes the Japanese gojon phonology as the mystical basis of words and meanings, in rough analogy to Hebrew Kabbalah. Kotodama or kototama (, lit. Originally personified as a "he" and gradually shifted to a "she," Amaterasu is considered the "primary" kami amongst all the other kami. In North American Indian mythology, the thunderbird is one of the main gods of the sky. Scholars believe that Raiju citings and documentation during the Edo period in the history of Japan. Raiju is the companion of the Raijin, the Shinto god of lightning. Everything in the world has a spirit, a god who governs it. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Improve this answer. This section includes historical people worshipped as kami. Hachiman ( ) is the god of war and the divine protector of Japan and its people. William Gleason says Ueshiba "created aikido based on the kototama principle," and quotes him that "Aikido is the superlative way to practice the kototama. Unfortunately, at the time of his birth, Kagutsuchi's heat was so powerful that he killed his mother. A little later, two more deities joined the residence of the gods: Umashiashikabihikoji () and Amenotokotachi (). This fear of fire made Kagutsuchi an important deity and very respected by the Japanese. Wright, G. (2022, December 5). In spite of this immoral trial, the child, by luck, somehow managed to come ashore to one Ebisu Saburo. In England and Scandinavia, Thor was worshipped by peasants because he brought fair weather and crops. In Mesopotamian religion, Marduk was the god of thunderstorms, and the chief god of Babylon. Hes mentioned in Hittite and Assyrian records, and played a huge part in mythology. Privacy Policy, https://mythopedia.com/topics/japanese-gods. One of Japanese mythologys divine creators, father of the islands of Japan. In Japanese art, this deity is often depicted with his brother Raijin, the god of lightning, thunder and storms.Fjin is also said to be the origin of a famous Japanese word: the term "Kamikaze". Interestingly enough, as opposed to direct transmission from China, the figure of Kannon is probably derived from Avalokitvara an Indian deity, whose name in Sanskrit translates to the Lord Who Regards All. The ensuing merriment steered the curiosity of Amaterasu, who finally came out of her cave, and thus the world was once again covered in radiant sunlight. Its cry sounds like thunder. Raiju is the companion of Raijin, the Shinto god of lightning. In Latvian folklore, Prkons is depicted with weapons such as a golden whip, a sword, or an iron rod. Considered as one of the most revered kami in the Shinto pantheon, Inari, often depicted in dual-gender (sometimes male and sometimes female), is the god of rice (or rice field), thereby alluding to the association with prosperity, agriculture, and abundance of produce. Hes commonly represented as a human in royal robes, holding a thunderbolt, a bow, or a triangular spade. After all, mythology is storytelling at its finest. Electricity: 1. When it comes to major kami in the Shinto pantheon, none is more important than Amaterasu, kami of the sun. List of Japanese Deities - The Spiritual Life Jansen, Marius B. In 776 BCE, Zeus was built a sanctuary at Olympia, where Olympic Games were held every four years, and sacrifices were offered to him at the end of each game. The god of thunder is the brother of Fjin but also of the goddess Amaterasu or the famous Susanoo. The notion of kotodama presupposes that sounds can magically affect objects, and that ritual word usages can influence our environment, body, mind, and soul. In recent centuries, these changes have been largely shaped by new definitions of success that stem from the Meiji era (18681912) and the rise of capitalism throughout the early 20th century. References. The supreme deity in Greek religion, Zeus was the god of thunder and lightning. Japanese Buddhist sects such as Shingon have regarded Inari as their patron deity since their inception. Amaterasu - Mythopedia This is largely because Inaris many attributes have given the deity great significance to Japanese society and helped Inari stand the test of time. Inari is the Japanese kami (a type of god or spirit in the Shinto religion) of prosperity, tea, agriculture (especially rice), industry, and smithing. Japanese Gods. Mythopedia, November 29, 2022. https://mythopedia.com/topics/japanese-gods. Revered as the god of war, archery, culture, and even divination, the deity possibly evolved (or had grown in importance) with the establishment of various Buddhist shrines in the country after circa 9th century AD. Born from the nose of Izanagi, the father of Japanese gods, Susanoo was a member of the trio of Mihashira-no-uzunomiko, thereby making him a brother to both Amaterasu and Tsukiyomi. [42] She embodies happiness, fertility and beauty. List of thunder gods - Wikipedia Polytheisti. After all, mythology is storytelling at its finest. Raijin (Japanese mythology/Shinto), the Japanese God of Lightning. After the encounter, he recovered the famed sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi and also won the hand of the woman he saved from the dragon. in East Asian Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Cartwright, Mark. Highly revered Japanese household deity, god of luck and fortune-seekers. In Shintoism, all objects on earth have a spirit, and therefore their own Kami. In the book of Adi Shankaracharya Bhashya on Brihadaranyaka Upanishad by Gita press Gorakhpur, the Sanskrit word is taken as . The Japanese god of fire, Kagutsuchi (or Homusubi he who starts fire) was another offspring of the primordial Izanagi and Izanami. All Rights Reserved. He is obviously venerated everywhere in Japan but particularly at Tsubaki Jinja in Mie prefecture and at Saruhiko Jinja in Ise. Ancient, sharpened stone axes were also worn on the clothing, as they were believed to be the symbol of the god and could supposedly cure illnesses. In the Shint, the legendary Inari is the son of the impetuous storm god, Susanoo. Raijin's threatening nature can be easily seen in his imagery. In that regard, the myth of Yebisu was possibly modified to accommodate his divine (and rather indigenous) lineage amongst the Japanese kami. Indeed, at that time, most buildings in the cities were made of wood and straw. All Emperors and Empresses of Japan are technically worshipped because of their descent from Amaterasu mikami, but there are many esteemed and highly revered ones who are not enshrined. The Japanese believe that the thunder god is responsible for a bountiful harvest, so Raijin is still worshipped and prayed to. To that end, even Kannons paradise Fudarakusen, is regarded by many Japanese adherents to be in the southern tip of India. Legend has it that the god of war was the guardian of the Minamoto clan and was held in high esteem.According to some stories, Hachiman was actually the father of the first samurai of the Minamoto clan, Yoshi-Iye, and offered him divine assistance during his military campaigns against the Ainu tribes.One of the most popular stories in Japan tells that Minamoto no Yoshitsune asked Hachiman to provide water for his dehydrated troops. In later Buddhism, his thunderbolt becomes a diamond scepter called the Vajrayana. Japanese Mythology: The Top 20 Gods of Japan | Life Persona Accessed on 28 Apr. The grief-stricken Izanagi followed his sister Izanami to the underworld, and he even succeeded in convincing the older generation of gods to allow her to return to the realm of the living. The task of the Shinigami is to invite mortals to die. Although Inaris role has changed over time, they have been popular throughout Japan for more than a thousand years. Overview Raijin () is the Japanese god of storms, a chaotic being born of death who brings the world vital rains as well as chaos and destruction. Also known as Lei Shen, Lei Gong is the Chinese god of thunder. In addition to having influenced the culture and the way of life of Japanese people, these deities have also appeared in many of your favorite manga. Japanese moon god forever separated from his wife, sun goddess Amaterasu. This is the end of our article about the Japanese mythology of Gods. Japanese Gods. Mythopedia, 29 Nov. 2022. https://mythopedia.com/topics/japanese-gods. She is the ruler of the sun, and by extension, the heavens and the universe. For example, in the feminine form of Koyasu Kannon, he/she represents the aspect of child-giving, while in the form of Jibo Kannon, he/she represents the loving mother. Imperial patronage of Inari and Inari shrines during this time led to their prominence across Japan, and this prominence remained even as political power changed hands. This deity is particularly popular with those who want an easy and uncomplicated delivery.Mizu no Kamisama is also associated with the Buddhist goddess Benzaiten also goddess of water. This resulted in the arrival of darkness over the heavens and the earth. While other cultures have parallels to kotodama, such as mantra, yanling, mana, and logos, some Japanese people believe the "word spirit" is unique to the Japanese language. data protected by SSL certificate, Japanese Clothing - Traditional & Streetwear, Kimono, Yukata andHaori for Japanese Style Lovers, 66 Avenue des Champs elyses, 75008, Paris, Demon Slayer: The anime mixing tradition and modernity that seduces manga fans, Difference between Buddhist and Catholic jewelry. This electric name is simple and beautiful. By the time of the rise of the Republic, he was established as the greatest of all the gods, and a temple dedicated to him was built at the Capitoline Hill in 509 BCE. As for his attributes, Susanoo was perceived as a temperamental, disheveled kami who is prone to chaotic mood swings thus alluding to his power over the everchanging storms. Also spelled Tarhunna, Tarhun was the god of storms and the king of Hittite gods. In a poignant parcel of the Buddhist traditions, the unborn children (and small children who died before their parents) dont have time on Earth to fulfill their karma, thus being confined to the purgatory of souls. However, there do seem to thunder and lightning gods in many religions. Bakeneko | Yokai Wiki | Fandom 3. During the Edo period, worship of Inari began to change in ways that maintained their popularity. And given the nature of these localized folklores (intermixed with the myths of venerated entities of Buddhism and Hinduism), the Japanese gods and goddesses are deities mostly based on the kami the mythical spirits and supernatural beings of the land. Raijin - Wikipedia Venerated as the god of mercy, compassion, and even pets, the deity is revered as a Bodhisattva. Naturally, the technique stands to the opposite of another skill called Amaterasu. Today,Japanese Temple makes you discover about 10 Japanese Gods with stories all the more incredible than the others and which directly influenced some of your favorite manga.A little clarification, the term "Kami" in Japanese translates as "God" but also as "spirit" which explains why there is not always one single deity per element. Since lightning was often considered a manifestation of the gods, locations struck by lightning were regarded as sacred, and many temples were often built at these sites. Superstitious people therefore often sleep on their stomachs during bad weather, but other legends say that Raiju will only hide in the navels of people who sleep outdoors. The mangaInari, Konkon, Koi Irohainvolves a girl named Fushimi Inari who gains the ability to shapeshift like akitsuneand who does the will of the gods. Interestingly enough, most narratives concur that they were directed to do so by an even earlier generation of kami (divine beings) who resided in the plain of heaven. To that end, in a classic example of cultural overlap, Hachiman, the kami of war, is also venerated as a bodhisattva (Japanese Buddhist deity) who acts as the steadfast guardian to numerous shrines in Japan. This sacred wind and this divine intervention were nicknamed "Kamikaze". In Inca religion, Illapa was the thunder god who had control over the weather. Hes been working in the field for years and has amassed a great deal of knowledge on Norse, Greek, Egyptian, Mesoamerican, Japanese mythology, and others. Kototama or kotodama is also fundamental to Japanese martial arts, for instance, in the use of kiai. However, Inari does not appear in classical sources of Japanese folklore and mythology, making Inaris origins unclear. "[1] Mutsuro Nakazono, a disciple of Ueshiba, wrote books on the importance of kototama in aikido, such as The Kototama Principle in 1983.[2]. Raiju Physiology | Superpower Wiki | Fandom These two kanji were used interchangeably in the name Kotoshironushi or , an oracular kami mentioned in the Kojiki and Nihon shoki. Kotodama - Wikipedia Raijin Thunder God of Japan: The Complete Guide (2022) - MythologySource As for depictions, in spite of his numerous adversities, Yebisu maintains his jovial mood (often called the laughing god) and wears a tall, pointed cap folded in the middle called kazaori eboshi. Daikoku sometimes manifests as a female known as Daikokunyo () or Daikokutennyo (). While sanctuaries built for him are rare, some people still honor him, in hopes that the god will take revenge on their enemies. In many ways, as Queen of the kami, she espouses the grandeur, order, and purity of the rising sun, while also being the mythical ancestor of the Japanese Imperial family (thus alluding to their mythical lineage in the Japanese culture). According to the Nihon Shoki, Kuninotokotachi lived on top of Mount Fuji. His body cut into eight parts, from life to eight volcanoes. Continue with Recommended Cookies. However, in spite of their apparent ingenuity, things soon fell out of favor, with their first union creating a deformed offspring the god Hiruko (or Ebisu discussed later in the article). In ancient Roman religion, Jupiter was the chief god associated with thunder, lightning and storms. HOW TO WEAR A SWEATSHIRT WITH STYLE IN 2022 . In essence, Yebisu (or Hiruko), after being born without bones, was said to have been set adrift in the ocean at age three. But he refused his mother's mission when he saw the disorder that reigned on Earth. He was envisioned as a warrior in the heavens dressed in silver robes. The word "Shinigami" is composed of two other Japanese words: "Shi" and "Kami". Kami can be good or bad. As for the lineage in cultural terms, the Japanese Imperial line is mythically derived from the grandson of Amaterasu Ninigi-no-Mikoto, who was offered the rulership of Earth by his grandmother. Interestingly enough, there is a hypothesis regarding how Fujin was possibly inspired by Greco-Buddhist deity Wardo (venerated along the Silk Route), who, in turn, was derived from the Greek wind god Boreas. It is not uncommon to find large numbers of fox statues inside and outside shrines dedicated to the rice god. On the other hand, in Buddhist traditions, Inari is venerated as the Chinjugami (protector of temples) and Dakiniten who was derived from the Indian Hindu-Buddhist deity of dakini or celestial goddess. He was depicted as a bearded deity with a horned headdress, holding a thunderbolt and a club. Learn more about our mission. Given the importance of these items to the culture and economy of Japan, Inari became known as the god of prosperity and success. By virtue of his association with success, Inari followed this cultural shift, expanding his domain into the realm of gold and other metals. [citation needed] Uttering the divine words of the Shinto divination ritual known as ukehi[clarification needed] supposedly determines results, and in this case, Amaterasu giving birth to five male deities proved that Susanoo's intentions were pure. Since the end of World War II, Inari has remained an incredibly popular deity. Raij | Yokai.com The most common and well-known symbol of Inari is the fox, orkitsune. The first God considered as such is Izanami since she was the first to introduce death in the mortal world. His father could not bear this tragic event and decapitated his own son with his sword, the famous Totsuka-no-tsurugi. In Japanese folklore, kitsune can be a symbol of both good and evil and were thought to grow a new tail for every 100 years they lived on this earth. Inari is perhaps most well-known due to their association with foxes, calledkitsune, who act as Inaris messengers and receive protection in return. List of Japanese deities - Wikipedia Yordan Zhelyazkov is a published fantasy author and an experienced copywriter. Inari is an incredibly popular deity who has more shrines dedicated to them than any otherkamiin Japan; a third of all shrines in the country are Inari shrines. View Bishamonten In fact, burials in Mesoamerica have been found with statues of dogs, and some of them were even sacrificed to be buried with their owners. Almost as soon as it arrived, Buddhism quickly associated itself with Inari and Inari shrines at a time when Inari was closely connected to rice, agriculture, and tea. His symbol was a three-pronged thunderbolt, commonly depicted in one hand. The most powerful kitsune were the nine-tailed foxes, said to have acquired infinite knowledge and the power to see everything that is, was, or will be. JAPANESE GODS : List & Mythology | Japanese Temple Raiju is the companion of the Raijin, the Shinto god of lightning. Tenjin (kami) - Wikipedia Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Manage Settings Kotodama is related with Japanese words such as kotoage "words raised up; invoke the magical power of words", kotomuke "directed words; cause submission though the power of words", and jumon "magic spell; magic words; incantation". Kagutsuchi, also known as Hi-no-Kagutsuchi, Homusubi or Hinokagutsuchinokami, is the Shint god of fire.In Japanese culture, fire was greatly feared and feared by the villagers. The god of thunder is the brother of Fjin but also of the goddess Amaterasu or the famous Susanoo. On an interesting note, Yebisu is also the god of jellyfishes, given his initial boneless form. While the beast is generally calm and harmless, during thunderstorms it becomes agitated, and leaps about in trees, fields, and even buildings (trees that have been struck by lightning are said to have been scratched by Raiju's claws). The Old Man of Longevity, Japanese manifestation of the Southern Polestar. In this context, people view Inari as a female goddess whose blessings bring prosperity to the years harvest. Unfortunately, in the arduous process of creation, Izanami died from the burning pain of giving birth to Kagutsuchi the Japanese fire god; and is consequently sent to the underworld (Yomi). Inari, in Japanese mythology, god primarily known as the protector of rice cultivation. Izanami and Izanagi - The Primordial Japanese Gods of Creation Yebisu - The Japanese God of Luck and Fishermen Kagutsuchi - The Japanese God of Destructive Fire Amaterasu - The Japanese Goddess of the Rising Sun Tsukiyomi - The Japanese God of the Moon Susanoo - The Japanese God of Seas and Storms Raijin and Fjin - The Japanese Gods of Weather Also spelled Haddu or Hadda, his name probably means thunderer. Raij (, "thunder animal" or "thunder beast") is a legendary creature from Japanese mythology. He was even worshipped and invoked in times of war. In the Saxon areas in England, he was known as Thunor. The term Suijin, which literally means "people of water," can refer to the many heavenly and earthly manifestations of the benevolent deity of water present in the Shint religion.According to legends, there are a wide variety of mythological and magical creatures that we can see in lakes, ponds, water springs and wells. 2023. While lightning was thought to come from the flashing of his robes, thunder was produced from his sling. Hachiman was also touted as the patron deity of the influential Minamoto clan (circa 11th century AD), which rather advanced their political cause and claimed lineage to the semi-legendary Ojin. They are also said to be the bridge between the earth and the realm of the gods.From his blood also came eight other gods, all masters of the art of the sword, including the famous God of Thunder, Takemikazuchi-no-kami and his brother Futsunushi, Kami of swords. The poem Enuma Elish, dating from the reign of Nebuchadrezzar I, says that he was a god of 50 names. Amaterasu or Amaterasu Omikami (the glorious kami who illuminates from heaven), also known by her honorific title hirume-no-muchi-no-kami (the great sun of the kami), is venerated as the goddess of the sun and the ruler of the realm of the kami the High Celestial Plain or Takama no Hara. Interestingly enough, mirroring the deitys vague gender (who was often depicted as an old man, while in other instances, was depicted as a woman with a head of a fox or accompanied by foxes), Inari was also identified with various other Japanese kami. Wright, Gregory. The Making of Modern Japan. THE JAPANESE GOD OF LIGHTNING: RAIJIN Among all the gods, Raijin is one of the oldest deities of Shintoism. She is also part of the 7 Gods of Happiness in Japan. For example, the Kojiki describes an ukei (or seiyaku) "covenant; trial by pledge" between the sibling gods Susanoo and Amaterasu, "Let each of us swear, and produce children". He is responsible for the tides and represents both the dangers and benefits of the sea. Media related to Japanese deities at Wikimedia Commons. Although powerful, this deity is very appreciated by the Japanese people. He was later known as Bel, which comes from the Semitic term baal that means lord. Share. FREE STANDARD SHIPPING Worldwide delivery, Highly available english customer service, Return your product up to 14 days after receiving your order, SECURED PAYMENT However, the relationship was soon shattered when Tsukiyomi killed Uke Mochi, the goddess of food. As a name, Barak, which means lightning, appeals to a wide range of people. This Shint deity is highly venerated in shrines throughout Japan. Suffice it to say, in Shinto religion, he becomes the focus of different appeasing rituals with one ceremony pertaining to the Ho-shizume-no-matsuri, an imperial custom that was designed to ward off the destructive effects of Kagutsuchi for six months. Even more intriguing is the way the duo created the landmass, by standing on the bridge or stairway to heaven (Ama-no-hashidate) and stirring the chaotic ocean below with their jewel-encrusted spear, thereby giving rise to the island of Onogoro. Another popular myth pertains to how Amaterasu locked herself in a cave after having a violent altercation with Susanoo, the storm god. In some tales, Inari was married to the goddess of agriculture,Uke Mochi, whose role they took over after Uke Mochis death. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. So, Indra is equated with Vidyut i.e Indra is the deity of cloud, thunder and electricity. Its body is composed of lightning and with the form of a white and blue wolf or dog (or even a wolf or dog wrapped in lightning) being the most common, although it can be represented with other forms such as tanuki, leopard, fox, weasel, marten, tiger, cat, bear, porcupine, tapir, elephant, rat, rabbit, bat, squirrel, boar, deer, badger, mongoose, civet, insectivoran, pangolin, monkey, rhinoceros, sea creature (usually a marine mammal such as a dugong, whale, dolphin, porpoise or seal, although it can also take form of a fish, mollusk or crustacean), insect, arachnid, millipede, centipede, qilin or dragon. As an embodiment of the thunderstorm, its generally associated with power and protection. Then bring out your bestial side with these awesome Japanese Dragon Sweatshirt.