Benzaiten, Goddess of Music

The myth

Benzaiten, or Benten, is the goddess of all that flows: water, music, words, wisdom and wealth. She derives from India's Sarasvati, goddess of a sacred river, and reached Japan with Buddhism. She is usually shown playing the biwa, a Japanese lute, and is the only woman among the Seven Lucky Gods. In Japan she merged with local kami such as Ichikishima-hime, protector of the seas revered at Itsukushima. Her shrines stand on islands and lakes, among the most famous Enoshima, Chikubushima and Itsukushima. Musicians and artists still ask for her blessing.

Why it has this power

An Uncommon level-5 Water Deity with 1700 ATK and 1700 DEF: perfect harmony, like a melody. Water comes from her river of origin and the lakes where she is revered; Moon and Leviathan, the deep waters and the serpents who attend her. With Kusanagi she reaches 2700.

Did you know

Enoshima has a statue of Benzaiten playing the biwa unclothed, known as Myōon Benzaiten, much visited by musicians.

Connections

• In Kenji, Kamo River Fisherman's deck
• In Hanae, Wandering Miko's deck
• In Master Suzu of Mount Kurama's deck
• In Kaguya, Guardian of the Torii's deck

Where to get it

• Campaign drop: Hanae, Wandering Miko (Archipelago of the Kami) — grade S: 25% · grade A: 25% · grade B: 25% · grade C: 14%
• Campaign drop: Master Suzu of Mount Kurama (Archipelago of the Kami) — grade S: 20% · grade A: 20% · grade B: 20% · grade C: 20% · grade D: 20%
• Daily Offering: 0.45% per pack (Uncommon 33% per card)
• Welcome Pack: 1.1% per pack (Uncommon 30% per card)
• Traveler's Pack: 0.96% per pack · 5.6% in the themed pack (Uncommon 29% per card)
• Bronze Reliquary: 0.94% per pack · 5.5% in the themed pack (Uncommon 29% per card)
• Silver Reliquary: 0.96% per pack · 5.6% in the themed pack (Uncommon 33% per card)
• Golden Reliquary: 0.94% per pack · 5.5% in the themed pack (Uncommon 35% per card)
• Daily Showcase: Shows up on about 0.98% of days · 400 gold
• Craft with card dust: 100 dust
• Crossing of Myths: Can be offered as a reward during a crossing (the card stays in the crossing deck).

Sources

1. Benten — Encyclopaedia Britannica — The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
2. Ichikishimahime — Encyclopedia of Shinto — Kokugakuin University
3. Seven Lucky Gods — World History Encyclopedia — Mark Cartwright