Dragons of Fame

Benten / Benzaiten

History: She was the sea goddess at one point. However, she became the Japanese goddes of love, wisdom, the arts, music, knowledge/wisdom, and good fortune. Dancers, geishas, and musicians are said to be her followers.

She, herself, is not a dragon. However, she rode upon a nameless dragon. It is said that there was a dragon who lived in a cave outside of Koshigoe. Here, the dragon devoured small children. Benton caused an earthquake and decended to the area. There, she married the dragon. With her possitive influence, she was able to stop the dragon's eating of children.

In an alternative story, Benton married a dragon king who had been wooing her. Many described him as an ugly creature with the shape of a serpent. He reportedly dwells in a cave on the island of Enoshima.¹

Symbolism: Her dragon was a symbol of perhaps Yin and Yang. Benten, herself, was the "Yang" and her dragon was "Yin".

Physical Description: Unknown

1. Japanese Mythology by Juliet Piggot

For more information about footnotes and references, please see the bibliography.