Kagutsuchi

Kagutsuchi (カグツチ meaning "incarnation of fire") is a Japanese Shinto god of fire. As a fire god in an era of paper houses, it was important to appease him, and as such, he was also seen as a protector of these homes from flame.

Also known as Kagutsuchi no Kami (迦具土の神), Hi no Kagutsuchi (火之迦具土), Hi-no-kami, as well as Homusubi or Ho-masubi (火産霊 meaning "causer of fire").

In Mythology
Considered to be a deity either made of flame or perpetually expelling fire, even as an infant this created a large issue. When Kagutsuchi was born, his mother Izanami was so badly burned that she died. In revenge, Kagutsuchi's father Izanagi cut off his head, then sliced his body into eight pieces, which became eight volcanoes. The blood dripping from Izanagi's totsuka sword created several more gods, including Watatsumi and Kuraokami, water gods.

A shrine was built for him on Mt. Atago near Kyoto, where it is said he made his home.

In Popular Culture
Books
 * In the visual novel series Silvero Vendetta, Kagutsuchi makes an appearance as a god of the sun
 * Kagutsuchi makes an appearance in the Noragami manga

Television

 * In the anime Mai-HiME, Kagutsuchi is a powerful dragon-like familiar known as a "child" belonging to the main character
 * In Naruto, Kagutsuchi is a Sharingan technique wielding the ability of fire
 * In Fairy Tail, Kagutsuchi is a Fire God Slaying Magic Spell used by Zancrow

Video Games

 * Hi no Kagutsuchi is a female summons in Destiny of Spirits
 * Kagutsuchi is a level 70 giant humanoid boss in Nobunaga no Yabou Online
 * Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 6 presents him as an evil serpent deity and primary antagonist
 * Hi no Kagutsuchi is a giant fiery demon in Persona 4
 * In the Age of Ishtar, Kagutsuchi is fire unit, portrayed as a young man with red hair
 * In Puzzles & Dragons, he is a red and white dragon monster