also: やくじん
god of pestilence; deity who spreads infectious diseases
A deity in Japanese folk belief that brings epidemics. Often used in historical or mythological contexts. Compare with 疫病神 (やくびょうがみ), which is more common in modern language.
See also: 疫病神
Long ago, the villagers held a festival to appease the god of pestilence.
The god of pestilence was believed to bring diseases like smallpox and cholera.
Standard kanji spelling for the god of pestilence; reading えきじん is specific to this form.
Alternate spelling with a broader sense of calamity; reading やくじん is common for this form.
Compound of 疫 (えき, 'epidemic') and 神 (じん, 'god'). The reading やくじん for 厄神 uses 厄 (やく, 'calamity') instead, reflecting a broader sense of misfortune.