Today's Photo (The Legend of Enoshima)

Once upon a time, a fearful dragon with five heads lived in a bottomless lake in Fukasawa, Kamakura, and tormented the villagers.  People were scared and called this land Koshigoe (Ko: child, Shi: death, Goe: over the mountain) as they sacrificed their children to the dragon.  One day, thick clouds rose up in the offing, far south of Koshigoe, and a strong earthquake shook the land for days.  When the earthquake stopped, a heavenly maiden appeared. When the clouds cleared, an island appeared at the surface.  It is said that this island is Enoshima.  The dragon, attracted to the beautiful maiden, proposed marriage to her, but she didn't say yes. She wouldn't accept his proposal until the dragon stopped its evildoing. It is said that the dragon finally mended its ways and gained her hand.  People say that the heavenly maiden in this legend is the goddess, Benzaiten, who is worshipped on Enoshima Island. The dragon is enshrined in Ryuko-Myojinja (shrine) in Koshigoe, Kamakura.  

-Information Sign, Enoshima Island   

The Heavenly Maiden glows at night on Enoshima Island.

Disclaimer:  I do my best to make sure all my information is accurate.  However, details may change or I may just be flat-out wrong.  Please let me know if something needs a correction.  Thank-you!