Ryujin

Ryujin

Luminous Being

ALSO KNOWN AS:

Riujin; Rinjin

ORIGIN:

Japan

Ryujin, Japanese Dragon King of the Sea, rules an underwater realm from his luxurious palace at the bottom of the sea. He is known as a gracious host who welcomes guests to his home. His palace, known as Ryugu and constructed from crystal and coral, is rumored to be located near Japan’s Ryuku Islands.

Ryujin is served by an entourage of sea creatures, including octopi, jellyfish, and turtles. He is incredibly wealthy, bestowing fertility, good health, and prosperity to those he favours. Ryujin rules the tides and controls storms and is invoked for safety on land and sea.

MANIFESTATION:

Ryujin is a shape-shifter who can appear as a man or a dragon.

ICONOGRAPHY:

Ryujin is portrayed as a dragon or as an old bearded man. A dragon coils around his neck or back.

ATTRIBUTES:

The tide jewels, which magically control the tide’s ebb and flow.

Spirit allies:

His daughter Toyotama-hime and Raijin

ELEMENT

Water

SEE ALSO:

Dragon Kings of the Sea; Raijin; Tamatori-hime; Toyotama-hime

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.