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Genkyo (原教) is the collective Genjin religion & mythology. Believers are called Genkyo-to (原教者).
Genkyo is a polytheistic set of traditions and faiths worshiped primarily in the nations of Genjin culture/ethnicity in Fuso. They are also practiced to a lesser extent in eastern parts of Soleil and Yamatai's provinces in western Marlakcor, and have been on the rise in Maritymir through Yamatai's colony the Gugyo Archipelago, as well as Raimei in southwestern Marlakcor. Gods and goddesses in Genjin culture are referred to as "Kami" and "Megami" respectively, and "Kamigami" collectively.
Practitioner Titles[]
The overall governor of the entire Genkyo religion is the tenno.
Rank | Masculine | Feminine | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Priest | Shisai 司祭 |
Miko 巫女 |
|
Head Priest | Guji 宮司 |
Shumiko 主巫女 |
The head of a shrine or temple. |
Supreme Priest | Saikojuso 最高住僧 |
Saikomiko 最高巫女 |
This holy title is second to the tenno and there is only ever one at a time. The holder of the title is also the ruler of Hinomoto. |
Other notes | |||
|
Zenno & Iroke[]
Tenrai Uchu-no-Zenno Konpaku (天来宇宙の全能魂魄) and Tenrai Uchu-no-Iroke Yubutsu (天来宇宙の色気尤物) are supreme kami worshiped by the Genjin as the overall rulers of the Spirit World, and the central figures of Genkyo. In discussion, their names are often shortened to Zenno (全能) and Iroke (色気) respectively. They are the parents of Himiko and the grandparents of the Tennyo.
According to traditional myth, Zenno is the master of the Dairyu, and the creator of the lands and islands known as Fuso. Iroke is the life-giver of Fuso, who let plants bloom and animals evolve by bleeding some of her blood into the land. Traditional myth also identifies the pair as the first man and woman to inhabit Fuso; but this myth is highly unpopular, as modern historians and scholars favor a theory suggesting the Genjin migrated to Fuso from mainland Marlakcor.
Through their eldest granddaughter, Akegata Nadeshiko-himekami of the Tennyo, the Tenno of Yamatai claim descent from them, and it is through this alleged descent that the legitimacy of the Nadeshiko dynasty is based off.
The main, largest, and original temple to them is Tenrai Fufu-no-Sodai Jiin (天来夫婦の壮大寺院/Grand Temple of the Divine Couple), located on the island of Seinaru-shima, an island near the geographical center of Fuso.
Tennyo[]
The Tennyo (天女/Heavenly Maidens) are a mythological group of "divine princesses" that, according to myth, lived in the protohistorical era of Fuso. They are the daughters of Himiko, all born during her tenure as Joo of the ancient Kingdom of Sakitomi, all born to different mortal fathers that were believed to be Himiko's concubines/lovers, and are thus all half-sisters to each other, aside for a set of triplets who were born from the same father, two of whom were twins. Similarly to the Archangels of Septifidelity, each of the princesses represent a certain virtue and/or aspect of nature. They are led by Akegata-himekami, the eldest of them.
When talked about in conversation, the Tennyo are usually referred to by the short version of their name.
Several prominent clans of Yamatai claim descent from one or more of the Tennyo, and therefore from Zenno and Iroke; the Nadeshiko dynasty via Akegata-himekami most prominently.
Tennyo | ||
---|---|---|
Name | Title | Representaion |
Aika-himekami 愛花姫神 |
Princess of Flowers | Love |
Aika-himekami is most particularly acknowledged during Koigokoro no Saiten, the Genjin love festival | ||
Kenjū-himekami 賢獣姫神 |
Princess of Animals | Intelligence |
Kagekan-himekami 影勘姫神 |
Princess of Shadows | Intuitiveness |
Fuyushin-himekami 冬信姫神 |
Princess of Winter | Faith |
Morikei-himekami 森勁姫神 |
Princess of the Forests | Resilience |
Most legends say that Mori-himekami's father was an elf, yet also say that Mori-himekami was born a full-elf.
Legends say that this was due to the divinity of her bloodline that prevented it from becoming mixed. | ||
Uminin-himekami 海忍姫神 |
Princess of the Oceans | Endurance |
The more popular legends say that Kaiyo-himekami's father was a merman, and that Kaiyo-himekami was a mermaid herself. Youngest triplet of Mizu-himekami and Ame-himekami. Of the triplets, Mizu-himekami and Ame-himekami had the same father while Kaiyo-himekami had a different father.
Through the now-extinct Enkei clan, the Ishigame clan of Yamatai claims descent from Kaiyo-himekami. | ||
Kozan-himekami 誇山姫神 |
Princess of the Mountains | Pride |
Tsukiji-himekami 月時姫神 |
Princess of the Moons | Time |
Raisoku-himekami 雷速姫神 |
Princess of Thunder | Celerity |
Nissei-himekami 日精姫神 |
Princess of the Sun | Life |
Chīho-himekami 地和姫神 |
Princess of Earth | Patience |
Shūryo-himekami 秋涼姫神 |
Princess of Autumn | Change |
Kazeto-himekami 風塔姫神 |
Princess of Wind | Perseverance |
Boshun-himekami 望春姫神 |
Princess of Spring | Hope |
Sabaku-himekami 沙漠姫神 |
Princess of the Desert | Diligence |
Kanake-himekami 金気姫神 |
Princess of Metal | Resolution |
Uekan-himekami 植感姫神 |
Princess of Plants | Empathy |
Ame-himekami 雨姫神 |
Princess of Rain | Temperance |
Younger triplet of Mizu-himekami and elder triplet of Kaiyo-himekami. Of the triplets, Mizu-himekami and Ame-himekami had the same father while Kaiyo-himekami had a different father. | ||
Yukimi-himekami 雪美姫神 |
Princess of Snow | Beauty |
Tenkū-himekami 天空姫神 |
Princess of the Sky | Clarity |
Tasogare-himekami 黄昏姫神 |
Princess of Twilight | Mysteriousness |
Akegata Nadeshiko-himekami 明け方撫子姫神 |
Princess of the Dawn | Leadership |
The eldest sister and the leader of the Tennyo, and the wife of Hisui Moju, the Jade Dragon of the Dairyu. The Tenno of Yamatai claim descent from Akegata-himekami, and therefore from her divine grandparents. Traditional legend says that Akegata-himekami gave birth to a child whose name is recorded as Jiyu-no-Seigiwa Heiwa-o-Sonchosuru (自由の正義は平和を尊重する), or just Jiyu Heiwa (自由平和), who began the genealogical descendancy that led to the beginning of the imperial line with Ganzo-tenno (Mikado Keikenna-no-Totoi Taiso). | ||
Genkyoku-himekami 原曲姫神 |
Princess of Song | Creativity |
Genkyoku-himekami was believed to have the best singing voice of the entire Tennyo. As such, she is the main patron deity of singers and musicians. | ||
Somizu-himekami 操水姫神 |
Princess of Water | Chastity |
Eldest triplet of Kaiyo-himekami and Ame-himekami. Of the triplets, Mizu-himekami and Ame-himekami had the same father while Kaiyo-himekami had a different father. | ||
Tsuyobi-himekami 強火姫神 |
Princess of Volcanoes | Strength |
Yuhi-himekami 優火姫神 |
Princess of Fire | Kindness |
Tsunekawa-himekami 雅川姫神 |
Princess of the Rivers | Grace |
Natsuyo-himekami 夏勇姫神 |
Princess of Summer | Courage |
Dairyu[]
The Genjin worship a group of dragon deities known collectively as the Dairyu (大竜/Great Dragons). Originally syncretized from Linglun, Genkyo-to believe these dragons are the source of a soshihito's ability to manipulate the elements. Synonymously known as spirits, each dragon has its own attribute that reflects the essence of nature.
The Dairyu aren't always all worshiped at the same time. Some areas place more emphasis on one or more dragons than the others, sometimes in the form of cults. (e.g. Most wood elves that follow these dragons tend to place emphasis on Midori Shinrin, the Emerald Dragon, more than the other dragons; and Kogane Tenpi, the Golden Dragon, is largely worshiped in parts of Soleil more than the other dragons).
Name | Represented Material | Representation of Nature |
---|---|---|
Akagane Kinzoku 赤金金属 |
the Copper Dragon | Dragon Spirit of Metal |
Sekiju Takibi 赤珠焚火 |
the Ruby Dragon | Dragon Spirit of Fire |
The Genjin believe he lives in a volcano called Kasai-ya-Doro-san (火災や土路山) with Sekiei Daichi. | ||
Kogane Tenpi 黄金天日 |
the Golden Dragon | Dragon Spirit of the Sun |
Servant of Zenno and ruler of all dragons. | ||
Kohaku Jinsei 琥珀人生 |
the Amber Dragon | Dragon Spirit of Life |
Protector of newborns. | ||
Kokuyoseki Kage 黒曜石影 |
the Obsidian Dragon | Dragon Spirit of Shadows |
Servant of Seikyo and judge of souls. | ||
Kongo Kaze 金剛風 |
the Diamond Dragon | Dragon Spirit of Wind |
Hisui Moju 翡翠猛獣 |
the Jade Dragon | Dragon Spirit of Animals |
He is the husband of Akegata Nadeshiko-himekami, with whom he began the line that led to the tenno. It is through him, as well as Akegata, that the legitimacy of the Nadeshiko line is based. | ||
Midori Shinrin 緑森林 |
the Emerald Dragon | Dragon Spirit of the Forests |
Mokuzai Mokusei 木材木製 |
the Wooden Dragon | Dragon Spirit of Wood |
Nijiiro Suiiki 虹色水域 |
the Opal Dragon | Dragon Spirit of Water |
Sister of Shinju Umi. | ||
Ogyoku Inabikari 黄玉稲光 |
the Topaz Dragon | Dragon Spirit of Thunder & Lightning |
He is especially popular in the Empire of Raimei. | ||
Seigyoku Hisame 青玉氷雨 |
the Sapphire Dragon | Dragon Spirit of Ice |
While most dragons, real and mythological, breathe fire, the Genjin believe that Seigyoku Hisame spews ice.
The Genjin also believe that he lives on a glacier of a mountain in the northernmost reaches of Fuso. | ||
Sekiei Daichi 石英大地 |
the Quartz Dragon | Dragon Spirit of Earth |
Older brother of Sangaku.
The Genjin believe he lives in a volcano called Kasai-ya-Doro-san (火災や土路山) with Sekiju Takibi. | ||
Shinju Umi 真珠海 |
the Pearl Dragon | Dragon Spirit of the Ocean |
Brother of Nijiiro Suiiki. | ||
Shirogane Eisei 白金衛星 |
the Silver Dragon | Dragon Spirit of the Moons |
Rokusho-dama Tenku 緑青玉天空 |
the Turquoise Dragon | Dragon Spirit of the Sky |
Tenjin & Rikujin[]
The major Kamigami of the Genkyo pantheon are collectively known as Tenjin (天神). Genkyo-to believe that there are actually countless kamigami living in every facet of nature, but only a handful are known by name. The influence of such deities tend to be restricted to certain areas, thus rendering them as what known as Rikujin (陸神).
Name | Representation, Historicity & Other notes |
---|---|
Major Kami | |
Anzenna Shussan 安全な出産 |
Megami of Safe Childbirth |
Kyofu-no-Arashi 強風嵐 |
Kami of Storms. Arashi is especially popular in the Empire of Raimei. |
Bosei & Fusei 母性 & 父性 |
Megami and Kami of Parenthood. Sister and brother deities that preside over Parenthood (motherhood and fatherhood respectively). |
Aizen Myo-o 愛染明王 |
Kami of Lust & Sex |
Chuya 昼夜 |
Kami of Day and Night |
Omoikane 思金 |
Kami of Learning |
Hyosetsu 氷雪 |
Kami of Ice and Snow |
Jikan 時間 |
Kami of Time |
Joku 上空 |
Kami of the Sky |
Kanjo-no-Aijo 感情の愛情 |
Megami of Love. Kanjo-no-Aijo-megami is most particularly acknowledged during Koigokoro no Saiten, the Genjin love festival |
Taka-uso Jun-ga Hanako 多価鷽純画芭子 |
Kami of Fruits |
Takemikazuchi 武甕槌 |
Kami of Thunder & Lightning. He is especially popular in the Empire of Raimei. He is sometimes equated with, Xiangliang Jizao, the Wan god of thunder. |
Kisetsu-no-Utsurikawari 季節の移り変わり |
Kami of the Changing Seasons |
Kosaku & Nogyo 工作 & 農業 |
Kami of Farming and Agriculture. Brother Kami |
Geka'gaku-no-Kusuri 外科学の薬 |
Megami of Medicine |
Sugure Yojutsu-no-Maho 優れ妖術の魔法 |
Megami of Magic & Sorcery |
Ninshin 妊娠 |
Megami of Pregnancy |
Ongaku 音楽 |
Kami of Music |
Shochu-Tsukuri 焼酎作り |
Kami of Winemaking |
Seifuku-to-Shori 征服と勝利 |
Kami of War |
Funka Kawayama 噴火川山 |
A volcano kami believed to be descended from of Sekiju Takibi. |
Seikyo 逝去 |
Kami of Death. Lord of the Shinigami, the guides to the afterlife. |
Shaho 射法 |
Kami of Archery |
Shizen-no-Yoso 自然の要素 |
Kami of the Five Elements.
According to myth, Shizen-no-Yoso, an abjaksan from an era known as the "Buzoku Jidai (部族時代/Tribal Period)" – roughly seven thousand years ago, a millennium shy of the Kokka Jidai (最初国家時代/National Period) – was the inventor of each discipline of Soshijutsu, being one of the rare known few who could use all four elements. He was deified both for this feat and ending a massive wintry war that happened during his time. Said war is known to history as the Ketsueki no Toki (血液の冬季/Winter of Blood), named for the fact that most of the fighting took place in the winter time of the war, and said fighting was the bloodiest conflict in the history of Fuso before the Two Hundred Years' War several millenniums later. Thousands of lives were lost during the war, not all from fighting on the battlefields. |
Shuryo 狩猟 |
Kami of Hunting |
Tachisuji 太刀筋 |
Kami of Swordsmanship |
Taiyo 太陽 |
Kami of the Sun |
Tan'ya 鍛冶 |
Megami of Blacksmithing |
Tsusho 通商 |
Kami of Trade & Commerce |
Unabara-to-Nami 海原と波 |
Kami of the Sea |
Sake-tsukuri 酒作り |
Kami of Winemaking |
Sangaku 山岳 |
Kami of the mountains. Son of Sekiei Daichi of the Dairyu. |
Minor Kami | |
Raiu 雷雨 |
A minor Thunderstorm kami |
Kasen-no-Mizu 河川の水 |
A minor river god. Often believed to be a cousin of Shinju Umi & Nijiiro Suiiki. |
Shinigami[]
The Shimigami are spirits that act as guides for souls to Shigo-no-sekai, the Genjin term for the afterlife. They either escort souls to paradise in Takamagahara, or drag them to eternal torment in Yomi-no-kuni. There are countless shimigami, and only twenty of them are known by name. Genjin believe that those destined for Takamagahara see the Shinigami as beautiful ethereal beings – similarly to angels – while those destined for Yomi-no-kuni see them as ugly skull-faced demons.
Jinshu[]
The Jinshu (じんしゅ神獣/Divine Beasts) are a quintet of animal deities whose worship originated syncretized from Linglun and have been incorporated into Genkyo by the Genjin.
Believed to be deities separate from the traditional gods and other deities, they are the guardians and divine governors of Fuso, and are also known as wardens of their spiritual direction and lords of a season. Each also represents one of the five elements.
Beast Deity | Title | Element | Historicity & Other Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Azure Dragon | Seiryu 青竜 |
Haru-no-Ryoshu to Azuma-no-Shugoshin 春の領主と東の守護神 Lord of Spring & Warden of the East |
Ki 木 Wood |
Seiryu is was once considered the guardian of the seas between Fuso and Marlakcor, and was believed to guard the islands from all invaders. This belief was badly shaken due to the two separate invasions of Fuso by the Arslan.
Since the establishment of Morokoshi, it is now often believed that he guards the eastern borders. |
Vermilion Bird | Suzaku 朱雀 |
Natsu-no-Ryoshu to Minami-no-Shugoshin 夏の領主と南の守護神 Lord of Summer & Warden of the South |
Hi 火 Fire |
|
White Tiger | Byakko 白虎 |
Aki-no-Ryoshu to Nishi-no-Shugoshin 秋の領主と西の守護神 Lord of Autumn & Warden of the West |
Kin 金 Metal |
Byakko is sometimes considered the patron deity of the Kingdom of Mizuho. |
Black Turtle | Genbu 玄武 |
Fuyu-no-Ryoshu to Kita-no-Shugoshin 冬の領主と北の守護神 Lord of Winter & Warden of the North |
Mizu 水 Water |
|
Yellow Dragon | Oryu 黄竜 |
Kisetsu-no-Ryoshu to Chu-no-Shugoshin 季節の領主と中の守護神 Lord of the Seasons & Warden of the Heartlands |
Tsuchi 土 Earth |
The main temple complex dedicated to them as a whole, Jinshu-ji (じんしゅじ神獣寺), resides on the island of Seinaru-shima in Yamatai within the vicinity of Tenrai Fufu-no-Sodai Jiin, and another in Hinomoto. The Jinshu-ji complex consists of five main temples, four for the beasts of the four directions and a fifth in the center for Oryu. The five temples of Jinshu-ji are:
- the northern temple, Peiji-no-Kurogame-to-Suiiki (ぺいじ北寺のくろがめ黒亀とすいいき水域)
- the eastern temple, Toji-no-Aoryu-to-Mokuzai (とうじ東寺のあおりゅう青竜ともくざい木材)
- the southern temple, Nanji-no-Shucho-to-Kaji (なんじ南寺のしゅちょう朱鳥とかじ火事)
- the western temple, Saiji-no-Shiratora-to-Kinzoku (さいじ西寺のしらとら白虎ときんぞく金属)
- the central temple, Chuji-no-Oryu-to-Chikyu (ちゅうじ中寺のおうりゅう黄竜とちきゅう地球)
Along with that there are four separate individual temples at the extreme points of Fuso, similarly to the Shisheng Chengshi in Marlakcor, albeit they're not sovereign in any sense of the word.
Odotai[]
The Odotai (黄道帯), also called the Zodiac, the worship of twelve animals in a sequence, is a facet of Genkyo incorporated from Wan faith, though the Genjin version replaces the Pig with a Boar.
This facet of Genkyo religion is governed from a temple complex known as the Odotai no Sodaina Jiin (黄道帯の壮大な寺院/Grand Temples of the Zodiac) in Hinomoto, which includes twelve main temples each dedicated to each animal and the Hijiri Junikyu (聖十二宮/Sacred Twelve Temple), where the Odotai are worshiped as a whole. Separate main temples, many smaller individual temples for each the twelve animals also exist all across Fuso.
Genkyo-to believe that the members of the Odotai take turns overseeing the cosmos in the name of the Zenno and Iroke each year in a 12-year cycle, and thus each year is named for that particular animal.
Cycle Order |
Animal | Attributes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Positive | Negative | |||
1 | Rat | Nezumi 鼠 |
Quick-witted, resourceful, versatile, kind | Cutthroat |
2 | Ox | Ushi 牛 |
Diligent, dependable, strong, determined | Stubborn |
3 | Tiger | Tora 虎 |
Brave, confident, competitive | Reckless |
4 | Rabbit | Usagi 兔 |
Quiet, elegant, kind, responsible | Negative |
5 | Dragon | Ryu 竜 |
Confident, intelligent, enthusiastic | Cutting |
6 | Snake | Hebi 蛇 |
Enigmatic, intelligent, wise | Vengeful |
7 | Horse | Uma 馬 |
Animated, active, energetic | Gossipy |
8 | Sheep | Hitsuji 羊 |
Calm, gentle, sympathetic | Moody |
9 | Monkey | Saru 猿 |
Sharp, smart, curiosity | Insouciant |
10 | Rooster | Niwatori 鶏 |
Observant, hardworking, courageous | Cocky |
11 | Dog | Inu 犬 |
Lovely, honest, prudent | Avoidance |
12 | Boar | Inoshishi 猪 |
Compassionate, generous, diligent | Naive |
Extra | Cat | Neko 猫 |
||
The Cat is not traditionally included, but retains some acknowledgement. |
Spirits[]
Genjin folklore depicts a variety of spirits that roam the land.
Jutama[]
The Jutama (じゅうたま獣魂) are a set of animals separate from the zodiac held as sacred to the Genjin. Hunting of these animals are generally forbidden. It is believed that spirits in the form of these animals roam the land and guide every living being down the path of life.
Animal | Representation | |
---|---|---|
Cat | Neko 貓 |
|
Tiger | ||
Bear | ||
Shark | ||
Fox | ||
Frog | ||
Turtle |
Tsukumogami[]
Tsukumogami (つくもがみ付喪神) are spirits that reside within an artifact or tool.
Known Demons[]
Along with the kamigami, the Genjin acknowledge several demons.
Ekibyo[]
Ekibyo (疫病) is a demon who spreads plague.
Taka-no-Chikage[]
Taka-no-Chikage (多寡の千影/thousands of shadows) is a demoness originating in Tianchao, known to them as Duogua Qianying (多寡千影). According to mythology, Taka-no-Chikage longs to purge the world into an eternal darkness, and commands an army of shinobi-like minions from the Kage-no-Sekai (影の世界/Shadow World), known as the Kage-gun (影軍/Shadow Army).
Notes & Trivia[]
- Shizen-no-Yoso, the abjaksan of Marlakcor in his time, was born in what is now the Kingdom of Mizuho.