The Knowledge King

I dedicate this post to all the ladies who write romance and erotica…

You’ve all heard of Astarte, Aine, Hathor, and of course the most famous Aphrodite, right?

What do these ladies have anything to do with a Knowledge King? Aren't they all goddesses of Love or Lust or both?

Well... as it happens, the Knowledge King of Japan is also the god of Love and Lust.

When you first look at him you may wonder why a god of love would look so terrible or terrifying. In Japan he represents the amorous passion as it appears sublimated; not by suppression as many of you may believe, but by a greater exaltation transmuted into a desire for awakening or enlightenment (knowledge). Hence, he is depicted in such a vicious form.

Just like the famous goddesses in Greece and Egypt and beyond, Aizen-Myoo is also invoked in connections with petitions concerning love. And like the goddesses, he is also a benevolent god, despite his terrifying appearance.

The role of the Knowledge King is to turn human desires of love and lust into spiritual awakening. Sexual excitement or agitation can be channeled towards enlightenment and passionate love can become compassion for all living things.

When you look at him you’ll notice he has three eyes and a red body. The red body symbolizes his power to purify sexual desire. His face is screwed into a fierce scowl. Don’t be fooled. This is only a wrathful countenance he places over himself to lead and empower his children.

He may not be popular (probably do in part to his appearance) but this interesting deity can be found in fiction, video games, and even comic books across the world.