him and this deity was most likely invented by his disciples, and later acquired new importance due to the rivalry between Jimon and Sanmon branches of Tendai. However, the assumption that he originally developed as a Chinese deity who first came to be incorporated into Buddhism and later was introduced to Japan by traveling monks is still considered plausible by modern authors. Similar narratives focused on Shinra Myōjin and Matarajin are also known. Further similar episodes involve deities such as or Sumiyoshi. Furthermore, the portrayal of Sekizan Myōjin as a protective deity of Ennin has been compared to similar connections between Kūkai and and Dōgen and Inari Myōjin. Character Sekizan Myōjin is primarily considered a god of human destiny, and as an extension of this role functions as an official in the realm of the dead and as an astral deity associated with the so-called “auxiliary star” of the Northern Dipper. This astral body corresponds to Alcor (80 Ursae Majoris), traditionally known as Hosei (補星) or Tenposei (天輔星) in Japan, Fuxing in China and Arundhatī in India. It was referred to as the "Star of Emoluments and Longevity" (福禄星, Fukuroku-sei). While in India being able to see it was traditionally seen simply as a test of acuity of vision, in China a belief that it can bring longevity developed, while in Japan instead being unable to see it could be interpreted as a sign of impending death. Sekizan Myōjin is also considered a gohōjin, a deity regarded as the protector of dharma. He can be considered a protective deity of Mount Hiei and of the Sanmon lineage of Tendai. A further role which can be assigned to him is that of a deity of pestilence. Sujung Kim compares the character of Sekizan Myōjin to figures such as Gozu Tennō, Matarajin, Shinra Myōjin and Ugajin, and notes he can be considered an example of a deity belonging to the modern scholarly category of ishin (異神, “eccentric gods”), deities associated with Japanese esoteric Buddhism. Iconography Sekizan Myōjin is typically depicted as an old man dressed like a Chinese official and seated in a high chair. He is also wearing a crown and holds a wooden wand in his hands. His appearance most likely has been based on that of one of the Ten Kings of Hell. It has been noted that his iconography resembles that of in particular. Related imagery was only