Hoderi no Mikoto (Umisachihiko)
火照命（海幸彦）
Elder brother, deity of sea bounty; mythological ancestor of the Hayato people
About
Hoderi, known as Umisachihiko (Sea-Luck Prince), is the elder brother in the famous tale of the sea and mountain princes. A skilled fisherman, he became embroiled in conflict with his younger brother Hoori (Yamasachihiko) after Hoori lost Hoderi's prized fishhook. The resulting narrative leads Hoori to the undersea palace of the dragon god, where he obtains magical items that give him power over the tides.
Upon Hoori's return, Hoderi was forced to submit to his younger brother through the power of the tide-controlling jewels. His descendants are identified with the Hayato people of southern Kyushu, and a ritual performed at the imperial court reenacting Hoderi's submission was maintained for centuries.
Scholars interpret this myth as reflecting the political subjugation of the Hayato maritime peoples by the Yamato court, encoded in the language of divine sibling rivalry.
Mythology
Family Relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
Who is Hoderi no Mikoto (Umisachihiko) in Japanese mythology?
Hoderi no Mikoto (Umisachihiko) (火照命（海幸彦）) is Elder brother, deity of sea bounty; mythological ancestor of the Hayato people. This deity appears in Kojiki & Nihon Shoki and is enshrined at numerous shrines across Japan.
What shrines are dedicated to Hoderi no Mikoto (Umisachihiko)?
Hoderi no Mikoto (Umisachihiko) is enshrined at various shrines across Japan. Check major shrine databases for a complete list.
What myths involve Hoderi no Mikoto (Umisachihiko)?
Hoderi no Mikoto (Umisachihiko) appears in 1 myths including The Tale of the Sea Prince and the Mountain Prince (Umisachi-Yamasachi). These stories come from Kojiki & Nihon Shoki.