Uchikura & Co., LLC

Hiruko — The Abandoned God Who Became a God of Fortune

 

In Japanese mythology, 蛭子 (Hiruko) was the first child born to Izanagi and Izanami, the divine couple who created the islands of Japan. According to the Kojiki, Hiruko was born imperfectly and was not counted among their proper children. He was placed in a boat made of reeds and sent away upon the sea.

 

But his story did not necessarily end there.

 

Over time, traditions developed connecting Hiruko with Ebisu, the popular Japanese god of fishing, prosperity, and good fortune. Interestingly, the characters 蛭子, normally read Hiruko, can also be read Ebisu (えびす). This reflects the later association between the abandoned child of ancient mythology and the cheerful god of fortune known throughout Japan today.

 

The Kojiki itself does not say that Hiruko later became Ebisu. That connection developed through later religious traditions and regional beliefs.

 

Still, the transformation is fascinating.

 

A child cast away because he was considered imperfect eventually became associated with prosperity and good fortune.

 

Perhaps there is a lesson hidden in the story:

 

What appears unwanted or imperfect today may someday become something of great value.