Hachiman

/ˌhɑːtʃiːˈmɑːn/ noun

Definition

In Japanese religion and mythology, a deity or kami associated with warfare, protection, and the imperial family.

Etymology

From Japanese 八幡神 (hachiman), where hachi means 'eight' and man means 'shrine' or 'goddess,' originally referring to a specific shrine and later becoming the name of the deity worshipped there.

Kelly Says

Hachiman is one of Japan's most widely worshipped kami, with thousands of shrines dedicated to this deity—samurai especially sought blessings from Hachiman before going into battle, making offerings at his shrines throughout medieval Japan.

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