Nigihayahi

Nigihayahi
Tomb of Nigihayahi
Genealogy
Parents

Nigihayahi is a Japanese god.[1] He is mentioned in the Kojiki, Kujiki, and Nihon Shoki. He appears in the legend of Jimmu's Eastern Expedition, killing Nagasunehiko, a follower and the brother-in-law[2]: 109  of Nigihayahi, and submitting to Jimmu.

Background

He was involved with the Tenson Korin (descent of gods from Heaven).[2] The Mononobe clan[3] and the Hozumi clan state he was their ancestor.[4] According to the Nihongi and Kujiki, Nigihayahi came down from heaven in the "heavenly rock boat," after which he married Mikashigiyahime, Nagasunehiko's younger sister.[1][5] Nigihayahi was accompanied by 25 deities who are said to be ancestors of Monobe lineages.[6]: 169  In the Kojiki, Nigihayahi marries Tomiyahime instead.[1]

According to the Kujiki, Nigihayahi ruled over Yamato with the help of Nagasunehiko. He died before his son, Umashimaji, was born. Takamimusubi then sent for the whirlwind god to transport Nigihayahi's corpse back to heaven for a funeral.[5]

The Kujiki says he is the same god as Amenohoakari but this is questionable.[4] The book is considered a forgery.[7]

Some books say he is the older brother of Ninigi,[8] or the son of Ame-no-oshihomimi.[1] Some scholars believe his myth comes from Korea.[6]

Jimmu's Eastern Expedition

During Jimmu's Eastern Expedition, Jimmu and his brothers reached Osaka, they encountered a chieftain named Nagasunehiko ("the long-legged man"). They fought and Itsuse was killed in the ensuing battle.[9][10][11][12]

Nagasunehiko claimed to follow Nigihayahi.[1][13] Nagasunehiko believed that Nigihayahi was the only decendent of the sun goddess, and that Jimmu was an impostor. Nagasunehiko then sent a letter to Jimmu accusing him of being an impostor and showed Jimmu proof of Nigihayahi descending from the sun goddess. Despite Jimmu also showing proof that he descended from the sun goddess, Nagasunehiko did not want to stop fighting. Considering Jimmu was the lineal descendent of the sun goddess, Nigihayahi ordered Nagasunehiko to surrender.[2]: 108–109  After he disobeyed this order, Nigihayahi killed Nagasunehiko and submitted to Jimmu.[13][2]: 108–109  Nigihayahi used his moral obligations and loyalty to justify his killing of Nagasunehiko.[2]: 109 

He is present in Ghost of Tsushima.[14]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Nigihayahi". Encyclopedia of Shinto. 2023-03-21. Archived from the original on 2023-03-21. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
  2. ^ a b c d e Satomi, Kishio (2013-07-04). Discovery of Japanese Idealism. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-136-39365-5.
  3. ^ Cali, Joseph; Dougill, John (2012-11-30). Shinto Shrines: A Guide to the Sacred Sites of Japan's Ancient Religion. University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 978-0-8248-3775-4.
  4. ^ a b Hoga, Toshio (2007). Shoki Mononobe-uji no Keifu (1) Kokigi no Heya (初期物部氏の系譜 (1) 古樹紀之房間). Japan.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  5. ^ a b Taryō, Ōbayashi (1984). "Japanese Myths of Descent from Heaven and Their Korean Parallels". Asian Folklore Studies. 43 (2): 171–172 – via JSTOR.
  6. ^ a b Como, Michael (2009-09-02). Weaving and Binding: Immigrant Gods and Female Immortals in Ancient Japan. University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 978-0-8248-2957-5.
  7. ^ Motosawa, Masafumi (2007-03-28). "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home : Shinto Classics and Literature : Sendaikujihonki". Encyclopedia of Shinto. Archived from the original on 2012-02-07. Retrieved 2025-06-19.
  8. ^ Barnes, Gina (2007-03-12). State Formation in Japan: Emergence of a 4th-Century Ruling Elite. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-134-38469-3.
  9. ^ "Kamuyamatoiwarebiko | 國學院大學デジタルミュージアム". 2023-03-21. Archived from the original on 2023-03-21. Retrieved 2023-11-23.
  10. ^ Anonymous (2023-09-29). The Great Events: Vol. 1. BoD – Books on Demand. ISBN 978-3-368-19823-7.
  11. ^ Weiss, David (2022-01-13). The God Susanoo and Korea in Japan's Cultural Memory: Ancient Myths and Modern Empire. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-350-27119-7.
  12. ^ James, David H. (2010-11-01). The Rise and Fall of the Japanese Empire. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-136-92547-4.
  13. ^ a b Various (2022-09-16). Japan: From the Japanese Government History. DigiCat.
  14. ^ "Charm Of Nigihayahi-No-Mikoto - Location & Effects | Ghost Of Tsushima". GameWith. 2022-08-21. Retrieved 2023-12-05.
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