About Ryujin


Ryūjin or Ryōjin (龍神 dragon god), which in some traditions is equivalent to Ōwatatsumi, was the tutelary deity of the sea in Japanese mythology.There is also a link about Japanese mythology for those wondering. This Japanese dragon symbolized the power of the ocean, had a large mouth, and was able to transform into a human shape. Ryūjin lived in Ryūgū-jō, his palace under the sea built out of red and white coral, from where he controlled the tides with magical tide jewels. Sea turtles, fish and jellyfishare often depicted as Ryūjin's servants.

Ryūjin was the father of the beautiful goddess Otohime who married the hunter prince Hoori. The first Emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu, is said to have been a grandson of Otohime and Hoori's. Thus, Ryūjin is said to be one of the ancestors of the Japanese imperial dynasty.