We be bloggin'

Hello and welcome back to Hotsui Matsuri! Today we’re going to be returning to another installment of Nihongo Legends! And for today we’re going to be talking about another Japanese folklore creature. Today we’re talking about the legend of the Tengu.

The Tengu is one of the most popular Japanese creatures of legend. Known for its wings and long nose, the Tengu is often associated with mountains/peaks as a kind of protector. But unlike other folkloric creatures, the Tengu is seen as intimidating and a little snooty (perhaps due to their long snoot).

Interestingly enough, the Tengu isn’t even officially originated from Japan, though that is where it’s popularized. It is believed the Tengu may originally descend from China where tengu-like creatures are known as celestial dogs. These Tengu, or tiangou are like foxes (similar to kitsune). It wasn’t until the Heian period that Tengu were described as having more of a bird-like appearance as they are known for now.One legend says that Tengu are actually bad Buddhist priests who died with resentment and are reborn as the goblin-like Tengu.

When it comes to anime, Tengu are referenced in many. For instance, the manga/anime feature Tengu as main characters with Haruka — a more handsome take on this winged yokai.  In Demon Slayer, a character named Sakonji is always seen wearing a typical Tengu mask with red face and long nose–which, for the record–tengu masks are very popular in festivals and especially in anime. The Tengu also frequents many anime that focus on Japanese folklore and many of them look like crows with their dark wings.

Tengu are also rumoured to be pretty arrogant and selfish. A little full of themselves and, as mentioned above, snooty. These behaviors tend to carry over to anime characters, with many sharing that feature. It tends to make them endearing, and gives them great character arcs. Especially because Tengu are fiercely protective–being associated with mountain protectors and all. They are certainly interesting creatures.

Thanks so much for reading this latest installment of Nihongo Legends and chiming back in for day 4 of Hotsui Matsuri! We’ll see you all tomorrow for the final day where Star will be featuring some traditional fashion!

xoxo

Luna