Wikipedia Trails Week 9: Japanese Pantheon

Wikipedia Trails Japanese Pantheon

Japanese Mythology Source

I started here to begin my search. I was interested in learning about more of the gods and goddesses from Japan this week. Here is the umbrella page for all things Japanese Mythology.

Japanese Pantheon Source

Here is where I found the broad description of the pantheon of Japanese gods and goddesses. They are known as Kami and take many forms as there are over 8 million of them. Shintoism is a division of this mythology where the Kami (spirit in this case) are found and recognized in all forms of nature and life (ie., mountain Kami or river Kami) and is still practiced today. 

Japanese Folk Heroes Source

Like most cultures, mythology is also rooted in folklore heroes. However, many of the Japanese folk heroes are rooted in real people. For example, the 47 Ronin were real but made to be more heroic and above average humans, the even made a movie about it.

The 47 Ronin 

After their master committed ritual suicide for assaulting Kira Yoshinaka, a court official, the leaderless samurai became "ronin." The 47 men trained for a year and then killed Kira to avenge their master. They were all then charged to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) for the crime but went down in legend as brave and loyal soldiers.

Revenge of the Loyal Samurai of Akō, by Yasuda Raishū

Source

I chose this image of the 47 ronin as it was just clean and distinct in color and imagery.