Hoderi is a prominent figure in Japanese mythology, known as the kami of the sea and fishermen. According to legend, he was one of the children of Ninigi, the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu. Ninigi bequeathed Hoderi a magic hook with the luck of the sea, which helped him become a successful fisherman. Hoderi’s brother, Hoori, was given a magic bow to ensure success in his own endeavors.
The name “Hoderi” is believed to have originated from the Japanese words “ho” and “teru”, which together mean “to shine brightly”. This is fitting, as Hoderi is often associated with the bounty of the sea and the light that shines upon it. He is also sometimes referred to by the name “Umisachi-hiko”, which means “enchanting fisherman”.
Hoderi’s story is told in several ancient Japanese texts, including the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki. These texts describe his adventures with his brother Hoori, as well as his relationships with other gods and goddesses in the Shinto pantheon. Through his mythology, Hoderi embodies the importance of fishing and the sea to Japanese culture, as well as the power of family ties and sibling relationships.
Overview
Hoderi is a kami, or a type of Shinto god or spirit, associated with the sea and fishermen. According to legend, Hoderi once had power over all the fish in the sea through his magic fish hook. However, his cruelty and jealousy of his brother Hoori, a master hunter, proved to be Hoderi’s undoing.
Hoderi is believed to be an important deity in Japanese mythology. He is often depicted as a handsome youth, and his father, Ninigi, bequeathed onto him a magic hook with the luck of the sea. Hoderi’s brother, Hoori, was given a magic bow to ensure both sons would be successful in each of their endeavors.
Hoderi’s name is derived from the Japanese words “ho” meaning “sail” and “deri” meaning “to come down.” This name is thought to reflect his association with the sea and his role in helping fishermen navigate its waters.
Overall, Hoderi is an important figure in Japanese mythology, particularly in relation to the sea and fishing. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of jealousy and cruelty, and his name continues to be used in modern times to refer to the importance of the sea in Japanese culture.
Etymology
Hoderi is a Shinto god of the sea and fishermen. His name is composed of two parts, “ho” and “deri.” In Japanese mythology, “ho” means fire, while “deri” means to shine or ripen. Therefore, his name can be translated to mean the ripening of rice plants to a red color or burning fire that is shining brightly.
The name Hoderi is also associated with the story of Yamasachihiko and Umisachihiko, where Hayato submits to Hoderi. According to the myth, Hoderi was given a magical fish hook by his father, Ninigi, which gave him control over all the fish in the sea. However, his cruelty and jealousy towards his brother Hoori, a master hunter, led to his downfall.
Hoderi’s name appears in the Kojiki as Hoderi no mikoto and in the Nihon Shoki as Ho-no-susori no mikoto or Ho-no-suseri no mikoto. He is also known by the name Umisachi-hiko, a deity of the bounty of the sea and enchanted fisherman.
Overall, the etymology of Hoderi’s name reflects his role as a god of the sea and his connection to fire and ripening.
Attributes
Powers
As a kami of the sea and fishermen, Hoderi possesses the power to control marine life and the ability to grant good luck to fishermen. He is also said to have the power to control the weather and protect people from natural disasters such as storms and tsunamis.
Symbols
The most notable symbol associated with Hoderi is his magic fish hook, which he received from his father, Ninigi. The hook was said to have the power to catch any fish in the sea. Another symbol associated with Hoderi is the sea itself, as he is considered the god of the sea.
Relics
The magic fish hook that Hoderi received from his father, Ninigi, is considered one of his most important relics. It is said that the hook was passed down through generations of Hoderi’s descendants. Another important relic associated with Hoderi is his brother’s magic bow, which was bestowed upon Hoori by their father. The bow was said to have the power to ensure success in any endeavor.
Hoderi’s role as a kami of the sea and fishermen, as well as his possession of the magic fish hook and association with the sea, make him an important figure in Japanese mythology. His story and attributes continue to be celebrated and revered in modern-day Japan.
Family Tree
Ancestry
Hoderi is the son of Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the grandson of Amaterasu, and the great-grandson of Izanagi and Izanami, the creators of Japan. His ancestry can be traced back to the gods of creation and the sun goddess, who is considered the most important deity in Shinto.
Siblings
Hoderi had a younger brother named Hoori, who was also gifted by their father. Hoori received a magic bow, while Hoderi was given a magic hook. The two brothers were very close and often went on adventures together.
Descendants
Hoderi had two sons, Kamu-oh and Kamu-oh-ikutsu-hiko, who were both fishermen like their father. They became the ancestors of the Omi and Mononobe clans, respectively. The Omi clan was known for their fishing skills, while the Mononobe clan was known for their military prowess.
Hoderi’s family tree is an important part of Japanese mythology and is still revered by many today. His descendants have continued to play important roles in Japanese history and culture, and his legacy lives on through them.
Mythology
Adventures
Hoderi, the kami of the sea and fishermen, was once known to have power over all the fish in the sea through his magic fish hook. However, his jealousy of his brother Hoori, a master hunter, proved to be his undoing. A popular legend recounts how Hoderi’s cruelty led to his downfall.
Teachings
In Japanese mythology, Hoderi is considered to be the ancestor, worshipped as a god, of Ata no kimi of Hayato. He was a child of Ninigi and Konohana no sakuya-bime. Ninigi suspected that he was a child of Kunitsukami (god of the land).
Legacy
Hoderi’s legacy lives on in Japanese folklore as the deity of the bounty of the sea and enchanted fisherman. In Norse mythology, Hodr, also known as Hod, Hodur, and Hoder, is a blind god associated with winter and darkness. He is the son of Odin and his wife Frigg. Hodr was tricked by the mischievous Loki into killing his brother Balder with a mistletoe arrow.
Overall, Hoderi’s mythology is a fascinating tale of sibling rivalry and the consequences of jealousy. His legacy lives on in different mythologies, showcasing the impact of his story across different cultures.