Hachiman

Background
In Japanese mythology, Hachiman (八幡神 Hachiman-jin/Yahata no kami? ) is the Japanese syncretic god of archery and war,[1] [2] [3]  incorporating elements from both Shinto and Buddhism.[4]  Although often called the god of war, he is more correctly defined as the tutelary god of warriors.[4] [5]  He is also divine protector of Japan and the Japanese people. Therefore, Imperial house, Genji (Minamoto clan) and most samurai worship him. The name means "God of Eight Banners", referring to the eight heavenly banners that signaled the birth of the divine Emperor Ōjin. His symbolic animal and messenger is the dove.

Since ancient times Hachiman was worshiped by peasants as the god of agriculture and by fishermen who hoped he would fill their nets with much fish. In the Shinto religion, he became identified by legend as the Emperor Ōjin, son of Empress Consort Jingū, from the 3rd – 4th century AD.



History
WIP