Hoderi was a gifted fisherman known as 'Luck of the Sea,' while his brother Hoori was a skilled hunter known as 'Luck of the Mountain.' One day, Hoori proposed they trade tools. Reluctantly, Hoderi agreed, but Hoori soon lost his brother's prized fishhook in the depths of the ocean. Furious, Hoderi demanded its return, refusing any replacement. Desperate, Hoori sat by the shore until a wise old man told him to seek the Sea God’s palace. Traveling to the bottom of the ocean, Hoori met Toyotama-hime, the beautiful daughter of the Sea God. They fell in love and lived in the palace for three years before the Sea God helped find the lost hook inside the throat of a sea bream. Upon his departure, Hoori received two magical jewels—the tide-ebbing and tide-flowing jewels—to protect himself. When Hoderi attacked him out of jealousy back on land, Hoori used the jewels to nearly drown his brother until Hoderi surrendered. Eventually reconciled, Hoori’s lineage led to the birth of Jimmu, the first Emperor of Japan, blending the power of the land and the sea.
Respect the unique gifts you were born with and understand that true power comes through kindness and humility rather than envy or pride.
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Questions about this story
What is the moral of The Luck of the Sea and Mountain?
The story teaches that one should respect their own natural talents and that those who act with humility and kindness will receive divine assistance. It also emphasizes the importance of reconciliation between family members.
Who are Hoori and Hoderi in Japanese mythology?
They are the grandsons of the sun goddess Amaterasu. Hoori represents the luck of the mountain (hunting), while Hoderi represents the luck of the sea (fishing).
How does the story explain the origin of the Japanese Emperor?
Prince Hoori and Princess Toyotama-hime are the grandparents of Jimmu Tenno. This lineage establishes the divine connection between the Imperial family and the Shinto gods.
What are the tide-ebbing and tide-flowing jewels?
These are two magical gems given to Hoori by the Sea God. They allow the wielder to control the tides, raising or lowering the water level at will to defend against enemies.
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