Yamasachihiko: The Legend of Japan’s Prince of Mountain Luck
Japanese mythology is a tapestry woven with stories of gods who govern the elements, the land, and the celestial bodies. Among the most enduring and culturally significant tales is that of Yamasachihiko (The Prince of Mountain Luck), a deity whose adventures bridge the gap between the terrestrial mountains and the mysterious depths of the ocean. Known formally as Hoori-no-Mikoto, his story is not just a fantastical adventure; it is a genealogical cornerstone linking the Shinto pantheon to the historical Imperial lineage of Japan.
The Origins of a Deity
Yamasachihiko is a prominent figure in Japan’s oldest chronicles, the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan). He is the third son of Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the deity sent from the heavens to rule the earth, and Konohanasakuya-hime, the princess of cherry blossoms.
His name, Yamasachihiko, translates roughly to “The Prince of Mountain Luck,” signifying his divine ability to hunt and thrive in the mountainous terrain. This stands in direct contrast to his older brother, Umisachihiko (The Prince of Sea Luck), who was a master fisherman. This duality represents the ancient Japanese reverence for both the bounties of the forest and the riches of the sea, a theme that permeates the archipelago’s culture.
The Legend of the Lost Hook
The central myth surrounding Yamasachihiko is a dramatic tale of sibling rivalry, underwater kingdoms, and broken taboos. It begins when the brothers decide to swap roles for a day to see if they can master each other’s domain.
The Exchange
Yamasachihiko took his brother’s fishing rod to the sea, while Umisachihiko took the bow and arrows to the mountains. The experiment was a failure for both. Yamasachihiko caught nothing and, disastrously, lost his brother’s prized fishhook in the ocean. When he returned, Umisachihiko was furious. Despite Yamasachihiko offering to forge a thousand new hooks from his own sword, the older brother refused, demanding only the original hook.
Journey to the Dragon Palace
Despondent, Yamasachihiko sat by the shore until a deity, Shiotsuchi-no-Oji, advised him to seek the Sea God, Watatsumi. Yamasachihiko descended into the ocean and arrived at the majestic Ryugu-jo (Dragon Palace). There, he met and fell in love with Toyotama-hime, the Sea God’s daughter. They married, and Yamasachihiko lived in the underwater palace for three years, momentarily forgetting his troubles above the surface.
Eventually, he remembered his mission. Watatsumi summoned the fishes of the sea, and the hook was found lodged in the throat of a red bream. Before sending Yamasachihiko back, Watatsumi gave him two magical jewels: the Shiomitsutama (Tide-Flowing Jewel) to summon floods and the Shiohirutama (Tide-Ebbing Jewel) to lower the waters. He also instructed Yamasachihiko on how to return the hook to curse his brother.
The Return and the Taboo
Upon returning to land, Yamasachihiko returned the hook. When Umisachihiko attacked him out of jealousy, Yamasachihiko used the tide jewels to nearly drown his brother until he submitted, pledging to serve Yamasachihiko’s descendants forever.
The story takes a tragic turn during the birth of Yamasachihiko’s child. Toyotama-hime came to the shore to give birth but warned her husband not to look at her during labor. Overcome with curiosity, he peeked into the birthing hut and saw that she had transformed into a massive wani (often interpreted as a shark or crocodile). Ashamed that her true form was seen, she abandoned the child and returned to the sea, sealing the boundary between the ocean and the land forever.
Modern Culture and Significance
The child left behind was Ugaya-fukiaezu, who would become the father of Emperor Jimmu, Japan’s legendary first emperor. Thus, Yamasachihiko is directly ancestral to the Imperial Family, solidifying the divine right of rule.
In modern Japan, this legend is deeply embedded in the culture of Miyazaki Prefecture in Kyushu, which is considered the stage for these events. The myth serves as an etiology for the relationship between the Hayato people (associated with Umisachihiko) and the Yamato court. Culturally, the story underscores themes common in folklore worldwide: the hero’s journey, the consequences of curiosity (similar to the myth of Orpheus), and the power of nature.
Traveler’s Tips: Walking the Path of Yamasachihiko
For travelers interested in Japanese mythology, Miyazaki Prefecture offers a tangible connection to this ancient legend. Here are three must-visit locations:
- Aoshima Shrine (Miyazaki City): Located on a small island connected by a bridge, this shrine is said to be the spot where Yamasachihiko returned from the Dragon Palace. The island is surrounded by unique geological rock formations called the “Devil’s Washboard.”
- Udo Jingu (Nichinan City): This spectacular shrine is located inside a cave on a cliff facing the ocean. It is believed to be the location where Toyotama-hime built the birthing hut for her child. It is famous for the “Undama” luck balls, which visitors throw into a target on the rocks below.
- Kirishima Jingu (Kagoshima/Miyazaki border): While more associated with his father, Ninigi, this area is the heartland of the “Age of the Gods” myths and offers stunning hiking that evokes the “Mountain Luck” aspect of the deity.
Travel Tip: When visiting Udo Jingu, look for the breast-shaped rocks dripping water in the cave; legend says these fed the infant left behind by the sea princess.
Sources & Further Reading
To delve deeper into the genealogy and exploits of Yamasachihiko, refer to the classical texts of Japanese history:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): The oldest extant chronicle in Japan (712 AD), detailing the age of the gods.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Completed in 720 AD, this text offers slightly different variations of the myth, particularly regarding the specific interactions between the brothers.
- Japanese Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes and Spirits by Patrick Drazen.