Konohanasakuya-hime
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Konohanasakuya-hime (木花之開耶姫) commonly known as Konohana, in Japanese mythology, is the blossom-princess and symbol of delicate earthly life. She is the daughter of the mountain god Ohoyamatsumi. She is often considered an avatar of Japanese life, especially since her symbol is the sakura, or cherry blossom.
She is the wife of Ninigi. She met the god on the seashore, and they fell in love; Ninigi asked Oho-Yama for her hand in marriage. Oho-Yama proposed his older daughter, Iha-Naga, instead, but Ninigi had his heart set on Ko-no-hana. Oho-Yama reluctantly agreed and Ninigi and Ko-no-hana married. Because Niniji refused Iha-Naga, the rock-princess, human lives are said to be short and fleeting, like the sakura blossoms, instead of enduring and longlasting, like stones.
Ko-no-hana became pregnant in just one night, causing suspician in Ninigi. He wondered if this was the child of another kami. Ko-no-hana was enraged at Ninigi's accusation and entered a doorless hut where she then set fire to it. She vowed that the child would not be hurt if it were truly the offspring of the heavenly kami Ninigi. In the hut, Ko-no-hana had three sons, Hoderi, Hosuseri, and Hoori. She is the goddess of Mount Fuji.
 |
|
|
Mythic Texts and Folktales: |
|
| Religions | Sacred Objects | Creatures and Spirits |
