Somin Shorai was the name of the protagonist of a tale written in the Bingo Fudoki (ancient reports on provincial culture, geography, and oral tradition). The story tells of two brothers: a poor older brother and a wealthy younger brother. When a god appears and asks for lodging, the younger brother refuses, but the older brother Somin Shorai offers to host him. In return, the younger brother's descendants are wiped out, while the older brother's descendants are spared from plague. This story became the origin of rites and talismen that locals across Japan use at shrines to ward off plague. Similar rituals can also be seen in local homes around the country – for example, papers or boards inscribed with "I am the descendant of Somin Shorai" mounted on the entrances of houses.