平将門 · goryo · Heian period

Taira no Masakado

Taira no Masakado was a famous warlord whose spirit, after his death, became a powerful goryo believed to affect the fate of the nation. He is often venerated as a protector spirit.

Legend

After being betrayed and killed, Masakado's spirit was said to seek revenge against the ruling clan, leading to calamities. His cult later emerged as a form of worship to appease his powerful spirit.