Emperor Dairin

Prince Sakaki

Princess Yaka

**Emperor Dairin** [大术; だいりん] was the legendary first emperor of Kanton according to the Kanna Daiki and the Book of Ōhaki. His accession is dated as 660 BC. In Kantonese mythology, he was a distant descendent of the sun goddess Kasshingami, and the great-grandson of the deities Shūshō and Bihanakami. Through the lineage of Shūshō, it is said that Dairin shared blood with almost every god in the Kiren pantheon. He is known for launching a military expedition across the north of Kanton, capturing the ancient province Yamatsu, and establishing it as his centre of power. In modern Kanton, Dairin's legendary accession is marked as National Imperial Day on June 1. Even up until modern times, it has been considered offensive and even treacherous to question the existence of Dairin or his links to the *kami*.

Historians have stressed that there is no evidence for the existence of Dairin, nor his forebears, except in folktales. Most scholars agree that the traditional narrative of the birth of Kanton's Imperial House is fictional, and that he is a mythical figure. However, some details about his conquest may reflect actual events.

## Origin

Dairin is recorded as Kanton's first ruler in two early chronicles. The Kanna Daiki and the Book of Ōhaki [also called the Kanki and the Ōhaki] give the dates of his reign as 660-585 BC. In the eighth century, scholars designated rulers before the tenth Emperor as *shingō* ['heavenly sovereigns'] and gave several of them, including Dairin, their canonical names. Prior to this time, these rulers had been known as *anmen* ['golden heads'].

According to the legendary account in the Ōhaki, Emperor Dairin was born on June 1, 711 BC, and died, again according to legend, on December 6, 585 BC. The Kanna Daiki gives Dairin's name as Kamisaki no Kamiga, or literally, '*kami*-born'. The Imperial House of Kanton traditionally based its claim to the throne on its descent from the sun-goddess Kasshingami via Dairin's great-grandfather Shūshō.

## Consorts and children

Consort: Ōne Yume

'*Ōne*' is a title literally meaning 'primary woman', and refers to a concubine or consort of the Emperor (or other male of Imperial blood) who is chosen as the main bearer of his children. An Emperor would also have had other women, but the Ōne was responsible for bringing him heirs. In early times, this title was used instead of Empress [*kōne*].

Children:

* Emperor Jōsō, firstborn son
* Prince Ōyū
* Prince Sakaki
* Princess Yaka

## Legendary narrative

In Kantonese mythology, the story of Dairin mostly serves the purpose of establishing the Imperial family's connection to the kami, and in turn emphasising their vassals' importance. Dairin figures as a direct descendant of the sun goddess Kasshingami via his father, Ukire no Kamisaki. Ukire no Kamisaki was sent to the Kantonese islands to spread the word of the gods to the sinful people, who did not recognise how their world had come about. He married a female *kami*, known only as Jireiri in records, who was supposedly a *bakōgami* of childbirth. They had four children, the oldest being Dairin, the second Sakayuri, the third Anya, and last Risari. These latter three went on to become *monjin*, guardian gods, who protect humans from evil influences. Dairin, as the legend goes, became the Emperor of Kanton.

According to the Kanki and Ōhaki chronicles, Dairin was born in modern-day Mikei Prefecture. Although appearing fully human, Dairin had the celestial power of a *kami*, and made use of it in his quest to unite the entire country under his rule. With his eponymous clan, Dairin led the way westwards with the assistance of a local chieftain Saō no Bureda. As they reached modern-day Futsukana, they encountered another local lord, Torurō, and engaged in battle with him. During this battle, Saō no Bureda was killed, and that night Dairin received a dream from his sister Sakayuri, warning him that he should not battle facing the ocean. Dairin therefore decided to turn south, facing the mountains, and following the coastline. Upon crossing into modern-day Ōchome Prefecture, they encountered a local wise-woman who told them to stake their claim on the province of Yamatsu, which is now northern Senbana. There, Dairin once again fought Torurō, and was victorious, executing the chief. The record of the Kanki states that Dairin's armed forces defeated a group of 'barbarians' before his enthronement, most likely referring to a small local clan.

In Yamatsu, the warlord Amesai no Naruta was originally unwilling to recognise Dairin as a ruler. However, when Dairin showcased his supernatural strength by splitting open a rock with his sword, Naruta accepted his legitimacy and swore fealty to him. At this point, bolstered by Naruta's significant army, Dairin is said to have ascended to the throne of Kanton. Upon scaling a mountain to survey the land he now controlled, Dairin remarked that it did not offer a good enough viewpoint, and should have been placed a little further west. Upon his last word, the mountain took its roots from the earth and began to move steadily west, until it offered the perfect view for Dairin. All that saw this spectacle were in awe, and fully accepted Dairin as their true and rightful Emperor.

According to the Ōhaki, Dairin died when he was 126 years old. The Emperor's name literally means 'great force' or 'great energy', referring to his celestial powers, and was given to him posthumously. The legendary site of his grave is on Mount Annen in northern Senbana Prefecture, supposedly the same mountain which moved at Dairin's demand.