Getting to know: Komainu

Welcome to the newbies. ( * * ) / This is the fifth in a series about getting to know a Shinto shrine. Our first step was a torii gate followed by shimenawa, shide and then temizuya. Please check the forum for other useful links. Like this one.

Back to our virtual shrine...

Purified, we move toward the two, massive guardians of the shine. They can take the form of 'Korean dogs', Komainu (you see koma, inu in the name), kitsune (Inari's personal messengers), or an animal associated with the enshrined kami, perhaps frogs, turtles or fish.

Just like the previous swap, I want to get you REALLY looking at komainu. Go out on the web and search for komainu. Find three examples to send to your partners, and of those three, explain to your partners which you like best and why. It doesn’t need to be an essay, just a simple, isn’t this gorgeous? is good enough, but more is better. Sincerity is key.

Bonus points for this round! In Inuyasha, Sesshomaru rode a two-headed beast who's names were the same as all komainu. What are their names?

Keep an eye on what appeals to you and why; which did you prefer, kitsune, lion dogs, or some other beastie? Does size matter to you; color; location; something I didn’t think of? What is your ideal?

Immerse yourself, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This is your time.