Raijin

ALSO KNOWN AS:

Raiden

ORIGIN:

Japan

Raijin is a Shinto spirit of thunder, lightning, and their accompanying noise and electricity. Thunder is the sound of Raijin beating his drums. Buddhist cosmology classifies Raijin as a Demon who now protects the Dharma. Raijin is credited with saving Japan from Mongolian invasion in 1274. He sat on a cloud and directed endless lightning bolts at the Mongolian ships. Raijin’s constant companions include Fujin, an ancient wind spirit, and Raiju, the thunder beast, essence of electricity.

Raijin’s other name, Raiden, is evoked by the electricity-channeling character Gwen Raiden on the television series, Angel.

MANIFESTATION:

Raijin is a huge, powerful, horned spirit who resembles an oni.

ICONOGRAPHY:

Raijin is typically portrayed as a fierce spirit beating drums.

Symbol: Tomoe, a geometric symbol related to the yin-yang symbol and indicating Earth’s energies; the Tomoe is formed by interlocked flames.

COLOUR:

Red

SEE ALSO:

Eight Dharma Protectors; Oni; Raiju; Ryujin

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.