Key Points

- Born Hiruko, without bones (at times without arms and legs), due to a punishment bestowed upon his mother 

- Cast into the sea at three and found by the Ainu people 

- Returns and rises from the sea as Ebisu: The God of Fishermen 

- Fishing Rod is believed to have powerful magical properties 

- Only Seven Gods of Fortune to originate in Japan

Brief Bio 

Patron of cooks, protector of crops, famed demon hunter, rising from the sea as the God of Fishermen and one of the Seven Gods of Fortune.

Ebisu's origins are shrouded in myth.  Some tales depict him as a fearsome demon hunter, driven by a deep-seated anger at the injustices he witnessed.  Others portray him as a cheerful, jovial figure, his very presence bringing good fortune.  These contradictory accounts might reflect the evolving nature of his worship, merging disparate traditions over centuries.

Legend tells of Ebisu's tragic loss and subsequent transformation.  Driven by a relentless pursuit of evil, he fell into the sea, and his form was altered by the very waters he sought to conquer. From the depths, he emerged not as a demon hunter, but as the God of Fishermen, his spirit tempered by the ocean's vastness and imbued with the bounty it offered.

Ebisu's dual nature—the fierce warrior and the benevolent provider—is reflected in his iconography.  Often depicted with a large fish, a symbol of abundance and prosperity, he is also sometimes shown with a fishing rod or holding a large sack filled with precious goods.  He is revered not just for his role in the harvest, but also for his ability to bring happiness and fulfillment.

His inclusion among the Seven Gods of Fortune highlights his multifaceted role in Japanese culture. Ebisu embodies the concept of shigen (wealth, prosperity, and abundance) and is often invoked during times of seeking luck and success.  He is a reminder that fortune, like the sea itself, can be both unpredictable and bountiful.