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[[File:SSiBAmaterasu.png|thumb|One of the major [[Yaoyorozu no Kami|gods of Shinto]], Amaterasu Oomikami appears in ''[[Silent Sinner in Blue]]'' Chapter 16.]]
'''Gods''' ({{lang|ja|神}}, ''kami''; {{lang|ja|神様}}, ''kamisama''<ref>''[[Double Spoiler]]'' [[Double Spoiler/Spell Cards/Level 1|Level 1]]</ref>) otherwise known as deities are preternatural or supernatural beings belonging to various religions and folklore. In Japan's native religion Shinto, there are [[Yaoyorozu no Kami|many deities]] compared to many other religions around the world. Unlike most religions, in Shinto, gods can be both good and evil and have a wide range of personality and ideals. Shrines are also build for the deity as a place to occupy in order to interact with humans and other creatures.


==Types of Gods==
{{Infobox Species
===Yaksha===
| nameJp          ={{ruby-ja|神|かみ}}
{{nihongo|'''Yaksha'''|夜叉|Yasha}} are an ancient group of compassionate spirits that conducted subterranean treasures and are known as protective gods.
| nameEn          =God
| nameIPA          =
| nameAlt          =
| image            =
| caption          =
| title            =
| location        =Anywhere in [[Gensokyo]], [[Underworld]], [[Makai]]
| NotableMembers  =
*[[Dragon (God)|Dragon]]
*[[The Hakurei God|The Hakurei Shrine's unknown god]]
*[[Shinki]]
*[[Eirin Yagokoro]] (unconfirmed)
*[[Iwanagahime]]
*[[Minoriko Aki]]
*[[Shizuha Aki]]
*[[Hina Kagiyama]]
*[[Sanae Kochiya]] (Arahitogami)
*[[Kanako Yasaka]]
*[[Suwako Moriya]]
*[[Shirou Sendai]]
*[[Sagume Kishin]]
*[[Junko]]
*[[Hecatia Lapislazuli]]
*[[Joon Yorigami]]
*[[Shion Yorigami]]
*[[Okina Matara]]
*[[Eika Ebisu]]
*[[Kutaka Niwatari]]
*[[Keiki Haniyasushin]]
| appOfficialgames =
*''[[Mystic Square]]''
*''[[Mountain of Faith]]''
*''[[Subterranean Animism]]''
*''[[Undefined Fantastic Object]]''
*''[[Touhou Hisoutensoku]]''
*''[[Double Spoiler]]''
*''[[Subterranean Animism]]''
*''[[Hopeless Masquerade]]''
*''[[Impossible Spell Card]]''
*''[[Legacy of Lunatic Kingdom‎]]''
*''[[Antinomy of Common Flowers]]''
*''[[Hidden Star in Four Seasons]]''
*''[[Wily Beast and Weakest Creature]]''
| appPrintworks    =
*''[[Silent Sinner in Blue]]''
*''[[Strange and Bright Nature Deity]]''
*''[[Oriental Sacred Place]] ''
*''[[Inaba of the Moon and Inaba of the Earth]]''
*''[[Wild and Horned Hermit]] ''
*''[[Symposium of Post-mysticism]]''  
*''[[Forbidden Scrollery]]''
| appMusicCDs      =
| appOther        =
*''[[Magus in Mystic Geometries]]''
*''[[Touhou Unreal Mahjong]]''
}}


There are two types of Yaksha - friendly Yaksha that resembles beautiful nature and a dark Yaksha which is similar to a [[ghost]] that infest dangerous wildernesses and consume unwary preys.
[[File:SSiBAmaterasu.png|thumb|One of the major [[Yaoyorozu no Kami|gods of Shinto]], [[wikipedia:Amaterasu|Amaterasu Oomikami]], appears in ''[[Silent Sinner in Blue]]'' Chapter 16.]]
The term '''god''' refers to concepts such as [[spirit]]s, natural forces and superhuman beings. In Japan's native [[Shinto]] religion, "god" is usually considered equivalent to the term {{nihongo||神|[[wikipedia:kami|kami]]}}. It should be noted, however, that kami include a broader spectrum of beings than those found in [[wikipedia:Monotheism|monotheistic religions]] (e.g. [[Christianity]], Judaism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, etc) or even some [[wikipedia:Polytheism|polytheistic]] ones. Shinto is at its roots an [[wikipedia:Animism|animist]] religion, meaning that any being (alive or dead), object or even phenomenon can be considered a god. Also, it should be noted that the 'G' in "god" should not be capitalized when referring to Shinto gods or any other gods from polytheistic religions.


In Buddhism, the good Yaksha are loyal assistants of [[Bishamonten|Vaisravana]], a god who supports righteousness.
Like many polytheistic religions (e.g. those of ancient Greece and Rome), Shinto gods live among humans and have direct impact on their daily lives. While their personalities are mostly similar to humans, they possess two aspects known as {{nihongo|''Ara'' and ''Nigi''|[[wikipedia:ja:荒魂・和魂|荒・和]]}}: when they are worshiped they will protect people and grant them {{nihongo|blessings|ご利益|gorieki}}, but when angry they will create disasters and {{nihongo|curses|[[wikipedia:ja:祟り|祟]]|tatari}}. In some cases the Ara and Nigi aspects of a god are so different in appearance and behaviour that they are named or worshipped separately. A {{nihongo|shrine|神社|jinja}} is a place for gods to occupy in order to interact with humans, which can vary in size from a small box or shelf (found in many homes) to an entire building and grounds.


==Types of Gods==
===Dragon===
===Dragon===
:''Main article: [[Dragon (Species)|Dragon]]''
:''Main article: [[Dragon (Species)|Dragon]]''
'''Dragons''' ({{lang|ja|}} ''ryuu'') are reptilian creatures viewed as gods in some cultures, while monsters in others.
{{nihongo|'''Dragons'''||ryuu}} are reptilian creatures viewed as gods in some cultures, and monsters in others.


===Yaoyorozu no Kami===
===Yaoyorozu no Kami===
:''Main article: [[Yaoyorozu no Kami]]''
:''Main article: [[Yaoyorozu no Kami]]''
'''Yaoyorozu no Kami''' ({{lang|ja|八百万の神}}, ''Eight Million Gods'') are gods belonging to the Shinto religion.
{{nihongo|'''Yaoyorozu no Kami'''|八百万の神||Lit. "Eight Million Gods"}} is the term in Shinto that is used to refer to gods in general. It also refers to the idea of "believing in Shinto faith".
 
While conventionally translated as "Eight Million Gods", it uses the older Japanese meaning of {{nihongo|"eight"||hachi, ya}} as "myriad"; i.e. the number of gods is actually uncountably large.
 
===Arahitogami===
:''Main article: [[Arahitogami]]''
{{nihongo|'''Arahitogami''' |現人神||"living god"}} are humans who become gods while still alive, thus being both at once.


===Kahaku===
===Kahaku===
{{nihongo|'''Kahaku'''|河伯|"river chief"}} are river gods from Chinese folklore. They should not be confused with the [[youkai]] known as the [[kappa]] from Japananese folklore.
{{nihongo|'''Kahaku'''|河伯||"river chief"}} are river gods from Chinese folklore. They should not be confused with the [[youkai]] known as the [[kappa]] from Japanese folklore.


===Yatagarasu===
===Yatagarasu===
:''Main article: [[Yatagarasu]]''
:''Main article: [[Yatagarasu]]''
'''Yatagarasu''' ({{lang|ja|八咫烏}}, ''yatagarasu'') is a divine three-legged [[crow]].
{{nihongo|'''Yatagarasu'''|八咫烏||"eight-span crow"}} is a divine three-legged [[crow]] that serves the Shinto sun goddess [[wikipedia:Amaterasu|Amaterasu]].
 
===Divine Spirits===
:''Main article: [[Divine spirit]]''
{{nihongo|'''Divine spirits'''|神霊|shinrei}} are the spirits of humans who ascended to godhood before or after their death.


==Gods in Touhou==
==Gods in Touhou==
The majority of gods in the [[Touhou Project]] are primarily based around the Shinto religion. However, it is confirmed that [[Bishamonten]], a god from Buddhism, exists as well. Possibly other gods from other religions do too, and a reference to Jesus Christ was also made in ''[[Ten Desires]]'' by [[Seiga Kaku]] to [[Youmu Konpaku]], although he was derogatarily referred to as an "pagan prophet" meaning "country dweller". Becuase Shinto is the primary base, it can be assumed that monotheistic religions and their single deity are not viewed as an unique existance as it can be shown that the primary gods of Shinto are dominate in the outside world.
The majority of gods in the ''[[Touhou Project]]'' are drawn from or based on the Shinto religion. However, the Buddhist god [[Bishamonten]] is confirmed to exist, implying that the other gods of his pantheon exist as well. Possibly gods from other religions also exist; [[Seiga Kaku]] has made a dismissive reference to Jesus Christ,<ref>''[[Ten Desires]]'' Youmu route</ref> though his divinity was not confirmed.


===The Shinto Gods in Touhou===
===The Shinto Gods in Touhou===
Shinto Gods in the [[Touhou Project]] are "born" from faith and derive their power from it. Note that "born" can refer to ascension to godhood, as well, such as the case of [[Mizue no Uranoshimako]], who was a human that became a god even after his death, through faith. As they are born from human belief, they do share some similarities to youkai, and sometimes have been referred as youkai.<ref>Citation for a time when a god has been referred to as a youkai needed.</ref> However, the two are significantly different, and for the most part can be considered two different "species"<ref>''[[Silent Sinner in Blue]]'' Chapter 17. "You can't fight gods and youkai the same way."</ref>. Unlike gods, youkai were generally born from fear. Thus unlike youkai, gods do not do things such as attack humans by default, but instead seek out faith, typically in the form of worship.
Shinto Gods in the [[Touhou Project]] are "born" from faith and derive their power from it. Note that being "born" can also refer to ascension to godhood, such as the case of [[Mizue no Uranoshimako]], a human who became a god after his death. As they are born from human belief they share some similarities to youkai, and some youkai have argued that the two are practically the same. However, they have many differences, and for the most part can be considered two different "species".<ref>''[[Silent Sinner in Blue]]'' Chapter 17. "You can't fight gods and youkai the same way."</ref> Unlike youkai, gods are not generally born from fear; thus they do not do things like attacking humans by default, but instead seek out faith, typically in the form of worship.


Faith from either humans or youkai is valid, and is described by Kanako in Reimu's ''[[Mountain of Faith]]'' A ending as {{hidetext|a reverence towards existence, a fear of retribution for one's actions, and the will to enrich one's life, spirit, and body, but it doesn't really have to be that serious.}} Worship and faith can be as simple as just celebrating with your god.<ref>''[[Mountain of Faith]]'' Kanako's profile. "Actually, to play together was what gods wished for." "This was exactly the kind of faith Kanako was wishing for." and Reimu A ending. {{hidetext|"There's no difference between faith and the ability to share a nice drink together like this.}}</ref>
Faith from either humans or youkai is valid, and is described by Kanako in Reimu's ''[[Mountain of Faith]]'' A ending as a reverence towards existence, a fear of retribution for one's actions, and the will to enrich one's life, spirit, and body, but it doesn't really have to be that serious. Worship and faith can be as simple as just celebrating with your god.<ref>''[[Mountain of Faith]]'' Kanako's profile. "Actually, to play together was what gods wished for." "This was exactly the kind of faith Kanako was wishing for."; Reimu A ending. "There's no difference between faith and the ability to share a nice drink together like this.</ref>


Shinto gods may split their spirits and manifest where ever called on, thus enabling them to be in many places at once to serve their worshippers. Certain individuals, such as [[Watatsuki no Yorihime]] and shrine maidens like [[Reimu Hakurei]] and [[Sanae Kochiya]] can directly call upon the gods to enter their bodies. Most gods interact with the physical world entirely in this manner. However, there are some gods with a body, which allows them to act independently without being called upon, such as Kanako and Suwako (and likely [[Hina Kagiyama]], [[Minoriko Aki]], and [[Shizuha Aki]]). These gods may still split their spirit and be called upon as well.
Shinto gods may split their spirits and manifest where ever called on, enabling them to be in many places at once to serve their worshippers; this doesn't diminish the power of the god in any way, as each split part of the same god would have the same amount of power as the original.<ref>''[[Silent Sinner in Blue]]'', chapter 6</ref> Certain individuals, such as [[Watatsuki no Yorihime]] and shrine maidens like [[Reimu Hakurei]] and [[Sanae Kochiya]] can directly call upon the gods to enter their bodies. Most gods interact with the physical world entirely in this manner. Some gods have physical bodies which allow them to act independently without being called upon, such as Kanako and Suwako (and likely [[Hina Kagiyama]], [[Minoriko Aki]], and [[Shizuha Aki]]), but this does not prevent them from splitting their spirit or being invoked in the normal ways.


The Shinto gods are well-acknowledged by denizons of Gensokyo and denizons of the [[Lunar Capital]] (of whom some may have actually been the original gods in Shinto Myth, such as [[Lord Tsukuyomi]] and his sister). However, in the [[outside world]], faith has instead been placed on various things such as friendship and news<ref>''[[Mountain of Faith]]'' Reimu B Ending. {{hidetext|In the outside world, people's faith in gods was weakened by the appearance of bad cults and religions.
The Shinto gods are well-acknowledged in Gensokyo and by the denizens of the [[Lunar Capital]] (according to Kanako, many of whom have actually been the original gods from relevant mythology, such as [[Sagume Kishin]], as well as [[Lord Tsukuyomi]] and his sister). However, in the [[outside world]], faith has instead been placed on various things such as friendship and news.<ref>''[[Mountain of Faith]]'' Reimu B Ending. In the outside world, people's faith in gods was weakened by the appearance of bad cults and religions.
However, all gods benefit from all faith in them.
However, all gods benefit from all faith in them.
Even though faith and entreatment are different things.
Even though faith and entreatment are different things.
Line 44: Line 109:
The object of their faith has merely shifted closer.
The object of their faith has merely shifted closer.
If you're a god who wishes to regain faith from humans...
If you're a god who wishes to regain faith from humans...
try setting your pride aside and being friendly with them.}}.</ref> Thus, like youkai, it is difficult for some gods such as [[Kanako Yasaka]] and [[Suwako Moriya]] to survive in the outside world as their faith dies out. Presumably more well-known Shinto gods such as Amaterasu still have plenty of faith to go around in the outside world, as there is nothing to indicate their existence is under threat any time soon.
try setting your pride aside and being friendly with them.</ref> Thus, like youkai, it is difficult for some gods such as [[Kanako Yasaka]] and [[Suwako Moriya]] to survive in the outside world as their faith dies out. Presumably more well-known Shinto gods such as Amaterasu still have plenty of faith to go around in the outside world, as there is nothing to indicate their existence is under threat any time soon; in particular, the god Ame-no-Torifune even [[TORIFUNE|had a space station dedicated to him]].


Of note is that loss of faith for a god means a loss of their ability to manifest their power. However, to a god, this is the same as "death".<ref>''[[Mountain of Faith]]'' [[Sanae Kochiya]]'s profile. "When people lose faith in gods, the gods lose their power. They can't manifest their divine virtues. This is the same as death, for a god.</ref>
Of note is that loss of faith for a god means a loss of their ability to manifest their power. For a god, losing all their power is equivalent to death<ref>''[[Mountain of Faith]]'' [[Sanae Kochiya]]'s profile. "When people lose faith in gods, the gods lose their power. They can't manifest their divine virtues. This is the same as death, for a god.</ref> (with the exception of [[arahitogami]], who would continue to exist as normal humans).


===The Buddhist Gods in Touhou===
===The Buddhist Gods in Touhou===
There is curently little known about any particular differences or caveats between the Buddhism gods in Touhou and Buddhism mythology. [[Bishamonten]], being extremely busy, uses [[Shou Toramaru]] as an avatar for the temples that Shou works or worked in ([[Byakuren Hijiri]]'s previous temple and her current [[Myouren Temple]]).
Much like how in real life Buddhist and Shinto gods were de facto seen as part of a single system due to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honji_suijaku honji suijaku] dogma, the Buddhist gods in Touhou don't seem to function differently from their Shinto peers.  
 
[[Bishamonten]], being extremely busy, uses [[Shou Toramaru]] as an avatar ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gongen gongen]) for the temples that Shou works or worked in ([[Byakuren Hijiri]]'s previous temple and her current [[Myouren Temple]]).
 
[[Okina Matara]] is based on {{nihongo|[http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/monkey-koushin-p3.html#shinraMYOUJIN Matara-jin]|摩多羅神}}, a god historically venerated mostly by the [[wikipedia:Tendai|Tendai Buddhism]] sect. However, like many other medieval Japanese gods, Matara-jin was neither purely Buddhist nor purely Shinto, and arose from of syncretic traditions combining elements from many religions<ref>https://www.persee.fr/doc/asie_0766-1177_2006_num_16_1_1258</ref>.


==Characters under this Bestiary==
==Characters under this Bestiary==
===[[Touhou Project]]===
===[[Touhou Project]]===
<div style="-moz-column-count:4; column-count:4;">
*[[Dragon (God)|Dragon]]
*[[Dragon (God)|Dragon]]
*[[Kanako Yasaka]]
*[[The Hakurei God|The Hakurei Shrine's unknown god]]
*[[Suwako Moriya]]
*[[Shinki]]
*[[Eirin Yagokoro]]
*[[Minoriko Aki]]
*[[Minoriko Aki]]
*[[Shizuha Aki]]
*[[Shizuha Aki]]
*[[Hina Kagiyama]]
*[[Hina Kagiyama]]
*[[Shinki]]
*[[Sanae Kochiya]] (Arahitogami)
*[[Konngara]] (Yaksha)
*[[Kanako Yasaka]]
 
*[[Suwako Moriya]]
*[[Sagume Kishin]]
*[[Junko]]
*[[Hecatia Lapislazuli]]
*[[Joon Yorigami]]
*[[Shion Yorigami]]
*[[Okina Matara]]
*[[Eika Ebisu]]
*[[Kutaka Niwatari]]
*[[Keiki Haniyasushin]]
</div>
====Gods not original to Touhou====
====Gods not original to Touhou====
<div style="-moz-column-count:4; column-count:4;">
*[[Mishaguji]]
*[[Mishaguji]]
*[[Wikipedia:Yatagarasu|Yatagarasu]] (Swallowed by Utsuho)
*[[Wikipedia:Yatagarasu|Yatagarasu]] (Swallowed by Utsuho)
Line 72: Line 154:
*Gion
*Gion
*Kanayamahiko no Mikoto
*Kanayamahiko no Mikoto
*Ishikoridome no Mikoto
*[[Wikipedia:Ishikori-dome no Mikoto|Ishikori-dome no Mikoto]]
*[[Wikipedia:Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto|Amenouzume no Mikoto]]
*[[Wikipedia:Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto|Amenouzume no Mikoto]]
*[[Wikipedia:Amaterasu|Amaterasu Oomikami]]
*[[Wikipedia:Amaterasu|Amaterasu Oomikami]]
Line 78: Line 160:
*[[Lord Tsukuyomi|Tsukuyomi no Mikoto]] (?)
*[[Lord Tsukuyomi|Tsukuyomi no Mikoto]] (?)
*[[Konohana-Sakuyahime]]
*[[Konohana-Sakuyahime]]
*[[Iwanaga-hime]]
*[[Iwanagahime]]
*[[Bishamonten]]
*[[Bishamonten]]
*[[Taisui Xingjun]]
*[[Taisui Xingjun]]
*Kanayamabiko no Mikoto
*[[Wikipedia:Daikoku-ten|Daikokuten]]
*[[Wikipedia:Daikoku-ten|Daikokuten]]
*[[Sendai Shirou]]
*[[Sendai Shirou]]
</div>


===[[Seihou Project]]===
===[[Seihou Project]]===
*[[Gyoku]]
*[[Gyoku]]


==See Also==
==See Also==
<div style="-moz-column-count:3; column-count:3;">
*[[Yaoyorozu no Kami]]
*[[Yaoyorozu no Kami]]
*[[Arahitogami]]
*[[Arahitogami]]
Line 94: Line 177:
*Wikipedia entry for [[wikipedia:Kami|kami]]
*Wikipedia entry for [[wikipedia:Kami|kami]]
*Wikipedia entry for [[wikipedia:jp:河伯|Kahaku]] (Japanese)
*Wikipedia entry for [[wikipedia:jp:河伯|Kahaku]] (Japanese)
*Wikipedia entry for [[wikipedia:Yaksha|Yaksha]]
</div>
*[http://www.obakemono.com/obake/yasha Obakemono entry for Yaksha]


==References==
==References==
{{smallrefs|2}}
{{smallrefs|2}}


{{Template:Navbox Bestiary}}
{{Navbox Bestiary}}
{{Navbox Religion}}


[[Category:Bestiary]]
[[Category:Bestiary]]
[[Category:Religions and Philosophies]]
[[de:Gott]]
[[pl:Bóg]]
[[ru:Бог]]
[[ru:Бог]]

Revision as of 21:40, 26 April 2020

(かみ)
God
Location

Anywhere in Gensokyo, Underworld, Makai

Notable Members
Appearances
Official Games
Print Works
Other
One of the major gods of Shinto, Amaterasu Oomikami, appears in Silent Sinner in Blue Chapter 16.

The term god refers to concepts such as spirits, natural forces and superhuman beings. In Japan's native Shinto religion, "god" is usually considered equivalent to the term kami (). It should be noted, however, that kami include a broader spectrum of beings than those found in monotheistic religions (e.g. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, etc) or even some polytheistic ones. Shinto is at its roots an animist religion, meaning that any being (alive or dead), object or even phenomenon can be considered a god. Also, it should be noted that the 'G' in "god" should not be capitalized when referring to Shinto gods or any other gods from polytheistic religions.

Like many polytheistic religions (e.g. those of ancient Greece and Rome), Shinto gods live among humans and have direct impact on their daily lives. While their personalities are mostly similar to humans, they possess two aspects known as Ara and Nigi (荒・和): when they are worshiped they will protect people and grant them blessings (ご利益 gorieki), but when angry they will create disasters and curses ( tatari). In some cases the Ara and Nigi aspects of a god are so different in appearance and behaviour that they are named or worshipped separately. A shrine (神社 jinja) is a place for gods to occupy in order to interact with humans, which can vary in size from a small box or shelf (found in many homes) to an entire building and grounds.

Types of Gods

Dragon

Main article: Dragon

Dragons ( ryuu) are reptilian creatures viewed as gods in some cultures, and monsters in others.

Yaoyorozu no Kami

Main article: Yaoyorozu no Kami

Yaoyorozu no Kami (八百万の神, Lit. "Eight Million Gods") is the term in Shinto that is used to refer to gods in general. It also refers to the idea of "believing in Shinto faith".

While conventionally translated as "Eight Million Gods", it uses the older Japanese meaning of "eight" ( hachi, ya) as "myriad"; i.e. the number of gods is actually uncountably large.

Arahitogami

Main article: Arahitogami

Arahitogami (現人神, "living god") are humans who become gods while still alive, thus being both at once.

Kahaku

Kahaku (河伯, "river chief") are river gods from Chinese folklore. They should not be confused with the youkai known as the kappa from Japanese folklore.

Yatagarasu

Main article: Yatagarasu

Yatagarasu (八咫烏, "eight-span crow") is a divine three-legged crow that serves the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu.

Divine Spirits

Main article: Divine spirit

Divine spirits (神霊 shinrei) are the spirits of humans who ascended to godhood before or after their death.

Gods in Touhou

The majority of gods in the Touhou Project are drawn from or based on the Shinto religion. However, the Buddhist god Bishamonten is confirmed to exist, implying that the other gods of his pantheon exist as well. Possibly gods from other religions also exist; Seiga Kaku has made a dismissive reference to Jesus Christ,[1] though his divinity was not confirmed.

The Shinto Gods in Touhou

Shinto Gods in the Touhou Project are "born" from faith and derive their power from it. Note that being "born" can also refer to ascension to godhood, such as the case of Mizue no Uranoshimako, a human who became a god after his death. As they are born from human belief they share some similarities to youkai, and some youkai have argued that the two are practically the same. However, they have many differences, and for the most part can be considered two different "species".[2] Unlike youkai, gods are not generally born from fear; thus they do not do things like attacking humans by default, but instead seek out faith, typically in the form of worship.

Faith from either humans or youkai is valid, and is described by Kanako in Reimu's Mountain of Faith A ending as a reverence towards existence, a fear of retribution for one's actions, and the will to enrich one's life, spirit, and body, but it doesn't really have to be that serious. Worship and faith can be as simple as just celebrating with your god.[3]

Shinto gods may split their spirits and manifest where ever called on, enabling them to be in many places at once to serve their worshippers; this doesn't diminish the power of the god in any way, as each split part of the same god would have the same amount of power as the original.[4] Certain individuals, such as Watatsuki no Yorihime and shrine maidens like Reimu Hakurei and Sanae Kochiya can directly call upon the gods to enter their bodies. Most gods interact with the physical world entirely in this manner. Some gods have physical bodies which allow them to act independently without being called upon, such as Kanako and Suwako (and likely Hina Kagiyama, Minoriko Aki, and Shizuha Aki), but this does not prevent them from splitting their spirit or being invoked in the normal ways.

The Shinto gods are well-acknowledged in Gensokyo and by the denizens of the Lunar Capital (according to Kanako, many of whom have actually been the original gods from relevant mythology, such as Sagume Kishin, as well as Lord Tsukuyomi and his sister). However, in the outside world, faith has instead been placed on various things such as friendship and news.[5] Thus, like youkai, it is difficult for some gods such as Kanako Yasaka and Suwako Moriya to survive in the outside world as their faith dies out. Presumably more well-known Shinto gods such as Amaterasu still have plenty of faith to go around in the outside world, as there is nothing to indicate their existence is under threat any time soon; in particular, the god Ame-no-Torifune even had a space station dedicated to him.

Of note is that loss of faith for a god means a loss of their ability to manifest their power. For a god, losing all their power is equivalent to death[6] (with the exception of arahitogami, who would continue to exist as normal humans).

The Buddhist Gods in Touhou

Much like how in real life Buddhist and Shinto gods were de facto seen as part of a single system due to the honji suijaku dogma, the Buddhist gods in Touhou don't seem to function differently from their Shinto peers.

Bishamonten, being extremely busy, uses Shou Toramaru as an avatar (gongen) for the temples that Shou works or worked in (Byakuren Hijiri's previous temple and her current Myouren Temple).

Okina Matara is based on Matara-jin (摩多羅神), a god historically venerated mostly by the Tendai Buddhism sect. However, like many other medieval Japanese gods, Matara-jin was neither purely Buddhist nor purely Shinto, and arose from of syncretic traditions combining elements from many religions[7].

Characters under this Bestiary

Touhou Project

Gods not original to Touhou

Seihou Project

See Also

References

  1. Ten Desires Youmu route
  2. Silent Sinner in Blue Chapter 17. "You can't fight gods and youkai the same way."
  3. Mountain of Faith Kanako's profile. "Actually, to play together was what gods wished for." "This was exactly the kind of faith Kanako was wishing for."; Reimu A ending. "There's no difference between faith and the ability to share a nice drink together like this.
  4. Silent Sinner in Blue, chapter 6
  5. Mountain of Faith Reimu B Ending. In the outside world, people's faith in gods was weakened by the appearance of bad cults and religions. However, all gods benefit from all faith in them. Even though faith and entreatment are different things. Humans, in their independence, lost the need for faith. Actually, that's not true. Even now, they have faith deep within their hearts. People believe in the news, brands, companies, and friends. The object of their faith has merely shifted closer. If you're a god who wishes to regain faith from humans... try setting your pride aside and being friendly with them.
  6. Mountain of Faith Sanae Kochiya's profile. "When people lose faith in gods, the gods lose their power. They can't manifest their divine virtues. This is the same as death, for a god.
  7. https://www.persee.fr/doc/asie_0766-1177_2006_num_16_1_1258