Kuzuryu/Lore

Official Profile

Kuzuryu, whose name translates to 'nine-headed dragon,' is a revered dragon deity featured in numerous legends across Japan. Also known as Kuzuryu Daijin and Kuzuryu Kongen, he is particularly celebrated in the Togakushi area as a spirit that rules over rain and water. Kuzuryu's temperament changes depending on the legend. In one instance, during the Nara period (710-794 CE) in Heijo-Kyo, he was regarded as a good deity who ate the Oni causing a plague. In another, however, he attacked villagers on Mt. Kano and had to be slain by Yamato Takeru. Within Buddhism, Kuzuryu is esteemed as Washu-Kitsu Ryuu Ou, one of the Eight Great Naga Kings.