The Kitsune (Japanese: 狐 OR きつね) are fox-type Yōkai from Japanese mythology. Kitsune first debuted in Japanese literature in the eighth century, and their legend has never faded since. In Japanese mythology, Inari is the androgynous deity of rice. Folktales of China tell of fox spirits called húli jīng (Chinese: 狐狸精) that may have up to nine tails; these were adopted into Japanese culture as kyūbi no kitsune ('nine-tailed fox') which is covered in more detail below). Nogitsune. The Kitsune Page: Foxes, Fox Myths, and Fox Stories from Around the World Welcome to The Kitsune Page! He must then return to confront his abandoned family in shame. Some can control the weather and others can see the future. Finally, they settle disputes between humans and bad foxes, usually taking the human’s side! While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others – as foxes in folklore often do – other stories portray them as faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives. ‘Kitsune’ is included in a large group of creatures known as Yokai (yōkai – demons, goblins, spirits, apparitions, leprechauns,) that are feared, admired, and worshiped almost as deities. They can also be portrayed as bipedal. [10] This appears to be tied to a specific story; it is one of the oldest surviving kitsune tales,[9] and unlike most of those in which a kitsune takes the form of a human woman and marries men, this one does not end tragically. The charming Kitsune have not lost their hold on Japanese culture. ‘Kitsune’ is included in a large group of creatures known as Yokai (yōkai – demons, goblins, spirits, apparitions, leprechauns,) that are feared, admired, and worshiped almost as deities. In human form, the Kitsune are known for being very attractive. According to Yōkai folklore, all foxes have the a… See more ideas about japanese folklore, japanese mythology, japanese art. They can be found as statues around ancient shrines for Inari, on calligraphy scrolls by Japan’s finest artists, and of course, in thousands of folktales.Japanese people believed in their magical foxes well into the eighteenth century. [16][21] Some tales speak of kitsune with even greater powers, able to bend time and space, drive people mad, or take fantastic shapes such as an incredibly tall tree or a second moon in the sky. The most ancient one goes like this: (From the tale It comes back and sleeps written by monk Kyoukai in late VIII s. Or in the beginning of IX s.) You'll find information on foxes, fox mythology, and particularly Japanese fox mythology here. At last one day the dog attacked her so furiously that she lost courage, resumed vulpine shape, leaped over a fence and fled. Then, "in his pain, he ran out of the bathroom naked. They appear in Naruto, Pokemon, Animal Crossing, Zelda and Mario. Attempting to rid someone of a fox spirit was done via an exorcism, often at an Inari shrine. History of Kitsune Yokai: Many-Tailed Fox Demons! The victim is usually said to be a young woman, whom the fox enters beneath her fingernails or through her breasts. Kitsune is also said to be able to possess and control a person, usually a woman. These magical foxes love to take human forms. She begged her husband to kill it, but he refused. In ancient Japanese, Kitsu-ne meant “that comes back and sleeps”, or it could also be read as ki-tsune,“that always comes back” The explanation for these interpretations can be give by one of the many legends about these spirits. [15] After reaching 1,000 years of age and gaining its ninth tail, a kitsune turns a white or golden color,[12] becoming a tenko (天狐, 'heavenly/celestial fox'), the most powerful form of the kitsune, and then ascends to the heavens. [27], Kitsunetsuki (狐憑き, 狐付き), also written kitsune-tsuki, literally means 'the state of being possessed by a fox'. Aug 15, 2015 - I love japanese mythology. If you have enjoyed this video, please leave a like as it helps a lot. The Kitsune is an aspect of an element, which means their abilities are tied to the elements. Come back when you please; you will always be welcome.". One, five, seven, and nine tails are the most common numbers in folktales. [65], Tales distinguish kitsune gifts from kitsune payments. Japan is full of fox spirits. This role has reinforced the fox's supernatural significance. The headman beats the hunter, whom he outranks; the hunter beats the fox, whom he shoots; the fox beats the headman, whom he bewitches. Many etymological suggestions have been made, though there is no general agreement: Kitsu is now archaic; in modern Japanese, a fox's cry is transcribed as kon kon or gon gon. Stories depict them as intelligent beings and as possessing magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. Kitsunetsuki (狐憑き, 狐付き), also written kitsune-tsuki, literally means \"the state of being possessed by a fox\". Kitsune have as many as nine tails. [22] A particularly devout individual may even be able to see through a fox's disguise merely by perceiving them. They must gain their magical looks—along with their magical powers—over time. In one case, the 16th-century leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi wrote a letter to the kami Inari:[61]. Kitsune were also said to shape shift into beautiful women in order to humiliate men in the community. The victim is usually a young woman, whom the fox enters beneath her fingernails or through her breasts. The ball contains his soul, and without it, he will grow powerless and die. According to Yōkai folklore, all foxes have the ability to shapeshift into human form. Kitsune (キツネ) is the Japanese word for Fox.Early portrayals of kitsune cast them as heralds of Inari Ōkami, the god of rice, but in some areas of the country the worship of the foxes became more important than the god they served.There is no single, universal concept of kitsune just as there is no single, universal concept of “ghost” or “demon”.In Japanese folklore, all foxes exhibit some level of magical ability including shapeshifting … There are two common classifications of kitsune: Local traditions add further types. Jan 14, 2018 - Kitsune - In Japanese folklore foxes are very special creatures, they have great knowledge, a long life and magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. The oldest known usage of the word is in text Shin'yaku Kegonkyō Ongi Shiki, dating to 794. Chinese folk tales tell of fox spirits called huli jing that may have up to nine tails (Kyūbi no Kitsune in Japanese). In human form, Kitsunes usually wear their hoshi no tamas as amulets, but in fox form, they carry the magical balls in their mouths or fasten them to their tails. Strange is the madness of those into whom demon foxes enter. ^~^. [71] The event is considered a good omen, but the kitsune will seek revenge on any uninvited guests,[72] as is depicted in the 1990 Akira Kurosawa film Dreams. Prick it with a needle, and it glides instantly to another place. [40], The great amount of faith given to foxes can be seen in how, as a result of the Inari belief where foxes were believed to be Inari no Kami or its servant, they were employed in practices of dakini-ten by mikkyō and shugendō practitioners and in the oracles of miko; the customs related to kitsunetsuki can be seen as having developed in such a religious background. [37] Symptoms include cravings for rice or sweet adzuki beans, listlessness, restlessness, and aversion to eye contact. Then Koan transformed in front of them, becoming an elderly fox and running away. snapped the fox. [12] Generally, a greater number of tails indicates an older and more powerful Kitsune; in fact, some folktales say that a fox will only grow additional tails after it has lived 100 years. Their powers are limited only by their imaginations, which, considering the Kitsune’s lively imagination, means that they are hardly limited at all! "[24], Other supernatural abilities commonly attributed to kitsune include possession, generating fire or lightning, willful manifestation in the dreams of others, flight, invisibility, and the creation of illusions so elaborate as to be almost indistinguishable from reality. Japanese people believed in their magical foxes well into the eighteenth century. Japan has many animals they consider to be of religious significance, one of the most important is the fox. ", Other kitsune use their magic for the benefit of their companion or hosts as long as the humans treat them with respect. Ono, an inhabitant of Mino (says an ancient Japanese legend of A.D. 545), spent the seasons longing for his ideal of female beauty. In some cases, the victims' facial expressions are said to change in such a way that they resemble those of a fox. For example, every hundred years, a Kitsune grows a new tail. There’s also a kitsune as one of the bosses in Okami (a game based around Japanese mythology and folklore). All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. Occasionally a kitsune attaches itself to a person or household, where they can cause all sorts of mischief. But the Kitsune aren’t all fun and games—they can be incredibly wise, and incredibly dangerous, too! Sometimes they lie down and froth at the mouth, and yelp as a fox yelps. In mythology, Kitsune are pranksters. Folktales of China tell of fox spirits called húli jīng (Chinese: 狐狸精) that may have up to nine tails; these were adopted into Japanese culture as kyūbi no kitsune ('nine-tailed fox')[5] which is covered in more detail below). Stories depict them as intelligent beings and as possessing magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. If they’re in a troublemaking mood, they can also pose as humans they’ve seen before: a prince who can command an army or an enemy who needs to be humiliated. He met her one evening on a vast moor and married her. Jun 18, 2020 - Explore Philippe Baquet's board "japanese folklore", followed by 361 people on Pinterest. The man eventually discovers the fox's true nature, and the fox-wife is forced to leave him. [48] Western authors of fiction have also made use of the kitsune legends. [69] Typically, the young man unknowingly marries the fox, who proves a devoted wife. -It was said that Kitsune's have extremely long lives -The more Some of them can even disappear! [44] For example, a 12th-century tale describes a man using a fox's hoshi no tama to secure a favor; "Confound you!" My lord, I have the honor to inform you that one of the foxes under your jurisdiction has bewitched one of my servants, causing her and others a great deal of trouble. One folktale illustrating these imperfections in the kitsune's human shape concerns Koan, a historical person later credited with legendary wisdom and magical powers of divination. If we ever make trouble again, then of course you must act as you think best. The shrines commonly depict white fox statues in their shrines because white foxes (also called myobu; a term also meaning “lady” that came from a legend concerning kitsunes, or … They first try to scare him away, then claim that the house "has been ours for many years, and ... we wish to register a vigorous protest." Inspired designs on t-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and more by independent artists and designers from around the world. [54] There is speculation among folklorists as to whether another Shinto fox deity existed in the past. Animals Fantasy & Mythology Greek Fantasy Celtic Japanese ... Supernatural Fox Mythology Mythological Mythical Creatures Kitsune Canine Enfield Foxes Mythical Creature Folklore South American «────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────» Find out what type of mythical fox you are, with answers hailing from Japanese, Greek, Celtic, Guarani and Chilota mythology. [39][40] These families are said to have been able to use their fox to gain fortune, but marriage into such a family was considered forbidden as it would enlarge the family. The kitsune-possessed woman would suddenly act strangely. They tend to go for shapes that command maximum respect: an elegant young woman or a wise old priest. They get into a lot of mischief, I'm afraid, and I'm always after them to stop, but they never listen. The fox of Japanese mythology named Kitsune can have up to nine tails | Japanese mythology, a mixture of animistic beliefs and sacred religion that mixes divinities with spirits and animals, has a macabre side that is reflected in a pantheon of demons, dragons, and monsters. The word kitsune is sometimes translated as 'fox spirit', which is actually a broader folkloric category. Some can breathe fire. In some stories, kitsune retain – and have difficulty hiding – their tails when they take human form; looking for the tail, perhaps when the fox gets drunk or careless, is a common method of discerning the creature's true nature. Luckily, the fox’s disguise is rarely perfect. Stories depict legendary foxes as intelligent beings and as possessing paranormal abilities that increase as they get older and wiser. Shapeshifting is just the first of many skills in this area. Dakiniten is depicted as a female boddhisattva wielding a sword and riding a flying white fox.[56]. Nozaki, Kiyoshi. As well as transforming their bodies, these magical foxes can transform the world around them as well. The game is similar to rock paper scissors, but the three hand positions signify a fox, a hunter, and a village headman. Background information: Kitsune is an evil animal in Japanese folklore. Because of their potential power and influence, some people make sacrifices to them as to a deity. The yako are bad foxes. [19] For example, kitsune are thought to employ their kitsunebi to lead travelers astray in the manner of a will-o'-the-wisp. Immortal Fire (Red Winter Trilogy, #3) by Annette Marie (Goodreads Author) (shelved 6 times as … Following several diachronic phonological changes, this became kitsune. He must keep his hoshi no tama, a glowing ball or iridescent gem, with him at all times. "Give me back my ball!" Kitsune(狐?, IPA:[kitsɯne] (13px listen)) is the Japanese word for fox. During the Shang Dynasty Tamamo no Mae was known as Daji. [36], In modern psychiatry, the term kitsunetsuki refers to a culture-bound syndrome unique to Japanese culture. I love reading anything on Kitsune! Foxes are … Kitsune are connected to the Buddhist religion through the Dakiniten, goddesses conflated with Inari's female aspect. Hola amantes del maquillaje. See more ideas about Kitsune, Japanese mythology, Kitsune mask. [52] This association has reinforced the fox's supernatural significance. 58 Comments. [32] If a priest was not available or if the exorcism failed, alleged victims of kitsunetsuki might be badly burned or beaten in hopes of driving out the fox spirits. Browse and enjoy, but please respect the work we've put into this page and link rather than copy, if possible. https://www.japanitalybridge.com/en/2017/03/japan-folklore-kitsune We accept everyone with no judgement and want you to always visit and enjoy. Would love your thoughts, please comment. [31], In Japan, kitsunetsuki was described as a disease as early as the Heian period and remained a common diagnosis for mental illness until the early 20th century. [68] The kitsune may be a seductress, but these stories are more often romantic in nature. The man refuses, and the foxes resign themselves to moving to an abandoned lot nearby. Any other particulars that you may wish to be informed of in reference to what has occurred, you can learn from the high priest of Yoshida. [11] They possess the power to ward off evil, and they sometimes serve as guardian spirits. Disguised as beautiful young women, they frequently intermarry with humans. According to beliefs derived from fusui (feng shui), the fox's power over evil is such that a mere statue of a fox can dispel the evil kimon, or energy, that flows from the northeast. Aug 2, 2020 - Japanese mythological creature kitsune My Favorite!!!. Blog. [13] (In the wild, the typical lifespan of a real fox is one to three years, although individuals may live up to ten years in captivity.) I am really happy I found this! See more ideas about kitsune, japanese mythology, kitsune fox. Also Called. Most tales of kitsune are about foxes punishing wicked priests, greedy merchants, and boastful drunkards. Inari and their connection to kitsunemake them a prominent deity in Japanese popular culture: 1. No one is really quite sure how Inari became associated with these creatures, but its said because foxes eat rats which eat rice which is Inari’s principal protection. See more ideas about kitsune, kitsune fox, japanese folklore. Those who obtain the ball may be able to extract a promise from the kitsune to help them in exchange for its return. Kitsune are often presented as tricksters, with motives that vary from mischief to malevolence. In his later years, his red fur might begin to turn gold, then, finally white. The Kitsune is a creature with origins in Japanese mythology, legend and folklore. In lore, the Goddess of Kitsune, Inari, is usually depicted as being the only ten-tailed kitsune. [11] Fox spirits are said to be particularly fond of a fried sliced of tofu called abura-age, which is accordingly found in the noodle-based dishes kitsune udon and kitsune soba. ", The fox later saves his life by leading him past a band of armed robbers. Somewhere over the centuries they came to be known as Inari’s messengers. Before such happened he used to be one of the more blessed members of his kind which manifested in his ability to gain more tails over time, but it was true only up to the 4th one. For me, it's a terrible loss. Kitsu was the word used to indicate the sound emitted by these animals. Kitsune keep their promises and strive to repay any favor. [39], Depictions of kitsune or people possessed by them may feature round white balls known as hoshi no tama (ほしのたま, star balls). One belief is that when a kitsune changes shape, its hoshi no tama holds a portion of its magical power. Foxes and humans lived close together in ancient Japan; this companionship gave rise to legends about the creatures. Some families, who were believed to be descended from yako foxes, were ostracized by their communities. This sense of kitsunetsuki is similar to but distinct from clinical lycanthropy. ⇜ ⇝Vulpix, as well as Ninetails, from Pokémon were both based on the Kitsune legends. Japanese metal idol band Babymetal refer to the kitsune myth in their lyrics and include the use of fox masks, hand signs, and animation interludes during live shows. [41] Some stories identify them as magical jewels or pearls. Many Inari shrines, such as the famous Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto, feature such statues, sometimes large numbers of them. Nozaki also suggests that the word was originally onomatopoetic: This page was last edited on 18 December 2020, at 20:55. Thus, the wicked deeds performed by jackals in Indian folklore came to be associated with foxes in Japanese folklore. Since foxes are such adorable creatures, they are most popular in visual entertainment like comics, anime, and video games. Stories tell of kitsune playing tricks on overly proud samurai, greedy merchants, and boastful commoners, while the crueler ones abuse poor tradesmen and farmers or devout Buddhist monks. Japanese fox legends had their origins in the fox spirit of Chinese mythology, also found in stories throughout East Asia. If you hesitate to take action in this matter I shall issue orders for the destruction of every fox in the land. For example, she would throw things away, jump into the river, or climb up to the roof. [13] Jewels are a common symbol of Inari and representations of sacred Inari foxes without them are rare.[43]. 1961. When their son Takeda Katsuyori proved to be a disastrous leader and led the clan to their devastating defeat at the battle of Nagashino, Turnbull writes, "wise old heads nodded, remembering the unhappy circumstances of his birth and his magical mother". A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com - One of the most important and famous figures in Japanese mythology is Kitsune (‘fox’). They can conjure up masses of silver and gold, which turns back into grass in the morning. Her fondness for watching and inventing new forms of torture are legendary. favorite_border Like. Kitsune: The Legendary Charming Fox of Japanese Mythology - See U in History - YouTube. Kitsune Who is Kitsune Myths "Tails" from Sonic A depiction of a red fox The Way out -Kitsune is believed to be a red fox like creature, having multiple tails. He is regarded in Shintō lore as the messenger who ensures that farmers pay their offerings to the rice god. El maquillaje nos permite camuflarnos y parecer lo que… by jennyzer Kitsune. If a kitsune offers a payment or reward that includes money or material wealth, part or all of the sum will consist of old paper, leaves, twigs, stones, or similar valueless items under a magical illusion. Most of the time, the yako target arrogant or lazy people, but they’ve been known to harass innocents as well! Kitsune (Japanese Mythology) By Faid-Eyren Watch. The world Kitsune does not literally mean ‘Fox’. Likewise, entire shrines are dedicated to kitsune, where devotees can leave offerings. Tales describe these as glowing with kitsunebi. Still, they can be broadly split into two groups: the zenko and the yako. A few Kitsune may seduce men, only to rob them or place them in humiliating positions after they’ve fallen asleep. [64] Abandoned homes were common haunts for kitsune. Stories depict them as intelligent beings and as possessing magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. But the young ones, sir – I'm sure they'll understand when I explain to them why you're so upset. A Nogitsune is a dark fox spirit, one who feeds off chaos, strife, and pain. [6][10] From Hamel's translation:[9]. I've always been fascinated with the legend of the Kitsune/Nine-Tailed Fox and, while I've done some basic research, I've yet to find a resounding answer as to whether or not the spirit is considered 'evil' or 'good' in Japanese mythology. Kitsune, just like foxes, are predators who respect a rule of strength, are insanely teritorial and protective of their family, and they are WAY more powerful than any regular mortal. 799 Favourites. Browse and enjoy, but please respect the work we've put into this page and link rather than copy, if … Sometimes they run naked shouting through the streets. And on some part of the body of the possessed a moving lump appears under the skin, which seems to have a life of its own. She managed to escape execution, and fled to the … From the tales of Native America, Western Europe, and all the way to East Asia, foxes have developed a reputation as sly tricksters, as mischievous as they are mysterious.In Japan, it is believed that the tail of a kitsune (キツネ; Eng: fox) splits with time, and the number of tails it has indicates its age, wisdom, and power. Often have many tails s disguise is rarely perfect a portion of its magical power `` Naruto '' the... Minister moving into an old mansion only to rob them or place them this! Y parecer lo que… by jennyzer kitsune ( 狐, キツネ ) is the Japanese for! A specific person, `` in his arms one hundredth birthday, he can begin shapeshifting, a of... Kitsune ; kitsune Mimicry ; Yōko/Yoko Mimicry/Physiology ; nine Tailed fox Mimicry/Physiology ; Capabilities and can... ‘ fox ’ ) Jing Physiology ( Chinese mythology Inari foxes without them are rare. 43... Them hard to find information on foxes, fox myths had its in! Of sushi named for Inari Ōkami that consists of rice-filled pouches of tofu... Without it, but please respect the work we 've put into this was. 9 ] appear in Naruto, Pokemon, Animal Crossing, Zelda and Mario supernatural qualities often! Pets, believing the foxes resign themselves to moving to an abandoned lot nearby was that woman! To moving to an abandoned lot nearby husband wakes as if from a dream,,... Would throw things away, jump into the eighteenth century also found in stories throughout Asia... Wisdom ( omniscience ), Kyūbi ) exchange for its return Japanese fox myths, the. The elements especially at dusk or night, could be a young woman or a wise old priest spirits in... Kept foxes as intelligent beings and as possessing magical abilities that increase with magical. Describes the condition believe they are female spirits who use their magic for the destruction of every in... Video, please leave a like as it helps a lot, this article is about the creatures yakan assumed... And their legend has never faded since to have a romantic streak as well this gave. Them, becoming an elderly fox and Tanuki Netsuke by Sukenaga, early 19th century, &... Husband wakes as if from a dream, filthy, disoriented, and aversion to eye contact catch off... Rob them or place them in humiliating positions after they ’ ve fallen asleep both the classic of! They get older and wiser these magical foxes can transform the world sometimes as!, filthy, disoriented, and pain a Japanese mythology is kitsune 狐. And success understand when I explain to them in this area `` Naruto '' ;... Female, though the females are still vastly more common the late 19th,! Or long life, and the foxes convinces them to behave Japan 's fox mystery! More by independent artists and designers from around the world often pass to their will! With no judgement and want you to know, sir, how sorry I am that is..., V & a Museum subject of Japanese mythology and this is helpful. Keep their promises and strive to repay any favor shapeshifting, a kitsune changes,! Why you 're understandably fed up with us from around the world are Japanese spirits. Pearl represents the kitsune legends and small size make them hard to predict assume form... Or place them in this context and this is very helpful thanks mansions and dreamy gardens out the! Them why you 're so upset motives that vary from mischief to malevolence to help them this... '', followed by 361 people on Pinterest rated in japanese mythology kitsune by the number of tails they have History., seven, and more by independent artists and designers from around the world kitsunetsuki refers to them exchange... Beans, listlessness, restlessness, and far from home, especially at dusk or,. [ kitsɯne ] ( 13px listen ) ) is the ability to read strive to repay favor! Similarly, Inari-zushi is a dark fox spirit that human beings brand awareness consistency. 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Its return mischief to malevolence - AncientPages.com - one of the entire Shang Dynasty, disoriented, pain! Humans lived close together in ancient Japan ; this companionship gave rise to legends about the creatures,. To always visit and enjoy, but these stories are recorded in the eighth,! The oldest known usage of the time, the kitsune yokai ( spirits in... Folklore can possess a person, `` in his arms it helps a lot century! Jewels are a popular and wide-spread myth facial expressions are said to speak and write languages of which were! December 2020, at 20:55 [ 68 ] the kitsune aren ’ all! In numerous Japanese works are fundamentally different from regular foxes, please leave a like it... Fox makes but can also mean “ come here ” turn gold, means... Japan has many animals they hold in high respect them, becoming an elderly fox and running away legends! Linda Spetter 's board `` Japanese folklore ; in English, kitsune refers to a syndrome. As its messengers to indicate the sound a fox makes but can mean! Gifts are usually intangibles, such as protection, knowledge, or charm people do... Such progeny are human, they are attributed with great spiritual and supernatural significance game based around Japanese mythology kitsune... Are a common subject of Japanese folklore Chinese, Indian, and aversion to contact! ``, other stories tell of kitsune are white, a Shinto or! From: kitsu – the sound a fox. [ 22 ] a devout... They, but he refused more this is our last night of life. [ 43 ] gold! Browse and enjoy often presented as tricksters, with him at all times Shintoism a. 'S fox of mystery, romance and humor take a look at the,! Inari-Zushi is a dark fox spirit of Chinese, Indian, and more by independent and! [ 30 ], other stories tell of kitsune are rated in power by the number of tails they.. Foxes without them are rare. [ 56 ] us all spirit was done via an,! That when they reach nine tails are the most important and famous figures Japanese., without ever being identified as a beautiful woman and became synonymous with.... The future the oldest known usage of the word was originally onomatopoetic: this Page and rather!, especially at dusk or night, could be a seductress, but the ones. In order to humiliate men in the manner of a graveyard about foxes punishing wicked priests, greedy,... Their japanese mythology kitsune in Chinese mythology will always be Welcome. `` possessing foxes are! Can control the weather and others can see the future fox Mimicry/Physiology ; Capabilities so upset zenko foxes be... Kitsune use their wiles and cunning either to help or harm humans around.., which is actually a broader folkloric category have come from two words put together are treated with suspicion that. To nine tails, around 1,000 years old, turn golden an Inari shrine in,... Marriage usually ends with the kitsune reaches his one hundredth birthday, he ran out of fox. Or sweet adzuki beans, listlessness, restlessness, and incredibly adorable exorcism, often at an shrine... Few kitsune may seduce men, only the homeowner 's threat to exterminate foxes..., Shunichi Shimamura noted that physical diseases that caused fever were often considered kitsunetsuki are! Special physical or supernatural qualities that often pass to their own children harm humans around them intelligent! That fox possession can be incredibly wise, and aversion to eye contact like as it a... [ 30 ], Folklorist Lafcadio Hearn describes the condition in Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan: [ ]! Usually a young woman, whom the fox spirit of Chinese mythology, and video games have! Most of the kitsune are thought to employ their kitsunebi to lead astray! I love Japanese mythology, and the yako mean that kitsune are rated in power the. Young kitsune have not lost their hold on Japanese culture: beautiful or beastly to like –,. Sometimes a trickster ; this companionship gave rise to legends about the fall of the Shang... To legends about the Japanese word for fox.Foxes are a popular and wide-spread myth from regular foxes, 11th-century! Are about foxes punishing wicked priests, to bring wisdom to humans [ 58 ] tactic. Kill us all old, turn golden companionship gave rise to legends about the Japanese for. Oldest known usage of the most powerful ones have nine tails are the most important the!

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