Emperor Kōgen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kōgen |
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|---|---|
| Emperor of Japan | |
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| Reign | legendary |
| Predecessor | Kōrei |
| Successor | Kaika |
| Born | legendary |
| Died | legendary |
| Burial | Tsurugi no ike no shima no e no misasagi (Nara) |
Emperor Kōgen (孝元天皇, Kōgen-tennō) was the 8th emperor of Japan. This is based on the traditional list of rulers. Many historians believe Emperor Kōgen was a legendary figure. His name, Kōgen-tennō, was given to him after his death. This happened many years later.
We do not have exact dates for Emperor Kōgen's life or when he ruled. The names and order of these early emperors became "traditional" much later. This was during the time of Emperor Kammu, who was the 50th ruler.
The old Japanese book Gukanshō says Kōgen ruled from a palace called Sakaihara-no-miya. This palace was in a place known as Karu, in what is now Yamato province.
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A Look at Traditional History
Emperor Kōgen is almost certainly a legend. The Kojiki is one of Japan's oldest books. It only mentions his name and his family tree. Another old book, the Nihonshoki, lists Kōgen. It calls him the seventh of the "eight undocumented monarchs." This means there is not much information about them.
Kōgen was the oldest son of Emperor Kōrei.
Some experts wonder if the first nine emperors truly existed. These experts think that Kōgen's grandson, Emperor Sujin, might be the first real emperor.
What We Know About Kōgen's Life
Even though we have little information about Kōgen, it does not mean he never lived. There is very little information about any emperor before the 29th ruler, Emperor Kimmei.
The Abe clan is a famous Japanese family. They are said to be descendants of one of Emperor Kōgen's sons.
After His Death
The official name given to this emperor after he died is called his posthumous name. This name was made official many centuries after he was believed to have lived.
We do not know the exact place where Emperor Kōgen was buried. However, the Imperial Household Agency looks after royal matters. They say this emperor is honored at a special Shinto shrine in Nara. This shrine is called a misasagi.
Related pages
| Preceded by Emperor Kōrei |
Legendary Emperor of Japan Kōgen 214-158 BC (traditional dates) |
Succeeded by Emperor Kaika |
