Otherwise known as Fire-Flash, he’s the son of top god Ninigi-no-Mikoto and great-grandson of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu. Initially his father was surprised to discover he was going to be a dad (“Triplets? So soon? We’ve only been married one day!”) and suspected his wife of illicit illegitimacy.

To allay his fears and prove the silly fool wrong, she set the maternity room alight and gave birth surrounded by fire. When baby Hoderi emerged amidst the burning hot towels, he giggled and played with the flames like a true deity’s son. “That’s my boy,” exclaimed the delighted Ninigi-no-Mikoto and clutched the child to his breast.

From then on, Hoderi was known as Fire-Flash. After a while the fire died down and two more brothers were born. Hoori was born in the last glowing embers and they called him Fire-Fade. (Son number two, Hosuseri, seems to have passed into obscurity.)

When Hoderi grew up he became a fine fisherman, although rather a grouchy one. Sadly his fiery temper led to disaster when he quarreled with his younger brother over a humble fish hook. See the entry on Hoori for the whole tale.

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Article last revised on November 20, 2018 by the Godchecker data dwarves.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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