A Heian era historical figure, approximately of the 11th or 12th century, Myouren was a Buddhist monk born in Shinano Province, or Nagano Prefecture, as it's known today.
He trained at the Chougosonshi Temple (朝護孫子寺) on Mount Shigi (信貴山) near Nara, which he established. His most significant role is in the Shigisan-engi emaki.
The Shigisan-engi is also the basis for Touhou'sUndefined Fantastic Object. In it, it is told that he had an older sister, who was worried about him. So she searched for Myouren and after being reunited with him, the two lived together again. This woman is the basis for Hijiri Byakuren, whose brother's later death drove her to despair and made her fear her own mortality.
His role in Touhou is minor, only serving as backstory for Byakuren. However, ZUN has said he once considered Myouren for a main role in UFO, albeit as an old man. No official character design exists for him, leaving his appearance up to speculation. Fanart typically depicts him with gradient hair like his sister's, despite the fact that a Buddhist monk would normally have shaved off all his hair.
