Tengu
Originating from Japanese folklore, Tengu are supernatural creatures often depicted as bird-like humanoids or as large birds. They are known for their martial prowess and association with the mountains, embodying a connection between the natural and the spiritual, and often playing the role of both protectors and tricksters.
At a glance
- Tradition
- Japanese folklore
- Region
- Japan (place of origin)
- Trait family
- The Justice Beasts
- Symbols
- BirdClaw/ NailFeatherNose
Near this figure
and 4 more
Symbols
Judged against the description by a model. Meanings are our own paraphrase.
- Bird is image-domain The bird denotes the soul and its flight between worlds, carrying aspiration, prophecy and divine essence, and moving freely where the earthbound cannot follow.
why
Originating from Japanese folklore, Tengu are supernatural creatures often depicted as bird-like humanoids or as large birds.
- Claw/ Nail bears image-domain The claw denotes the fierce efficiency of tearing and clutching, kept as talisman, while nails hold soul-substance and grow uncannily on after death.
why
These supernatural beings are often depicted with human-like bodies adorned with feathers, sharp claws, and distinctive long noses or beaks.
- Feather bears image-domain The feather denotes flight and lightness in a single part, weighed against the heart to judge a life, and worn to borrow the bird's power.
why
These supernatural beings are often depicted with human-like bodies adorned with feathers, sharp claws, and distinctive long noses or beaks.
- Nose bears image-domain The nose denotes the breath of life and oldest of the senses, judging by scent what sight cannot, and cut away to deny survival.
why
These supernatural beings are often depicted with human-like bodies adorned with feathers, sharp claws, and distinctive long noses or beaks.
Traits
Read from the figure's description, which a model wrote. Open "why" for the sentence a trait came from.
Form
- Hybrid of multiple animals
why
These supernatural beings are often depicted with human-like bodies adorned with feathers, sharp claws, and distinctive long noses or beaks.
Behaviour
- Senses moral intent of intruders
why
Tengu are infamous for their mischievous and sometimes malevolent behavior towards humans, particularly those who display arrogance or disrespect towards nature or spiritual matters.
Offensive powers
- Combat prowess
why
Tengu are known for their exceptional martial prowess, often portrayed as master swordsmen and skilled in various forms of combat.
Utility powers
- Flight
why
They are said to possess the power of flight, shape-shifting, and thought projection.
- Shapeshifting
why
They are said to possess the power of flight, shape-shifting, and thought projection.
- Telepathic communication
why
They are said to possess the power of flight, shape-shifting, and thought projection.
- Knowledge bestowal
why
In many tales, Tengu act as teachers, imparting martial arts skills or esoteric knowledge to chosen individuals.
Roles
Judged from the works' own entries, not from the description. Carries: the figure holds the role. Meets: the role is in its stories, held by something it meets.
- Trickster carries both readings
4 citations
- Carol Rose, Giants, Monsters, and Dragons, s.v. "Tengu."
- Carol Rose, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins, s.v. "Tengu."
- F. Hadland Davis, Myths and Legends of Japan, p. 40.
- George M. Eberhart, Mysterious Creatures: A Guide to Cryptozoology, s.v. "Tengu."
- Wise Old Man carries both readings
4 citations
- Carol Rose, Giants, Monsters, and Dragons, s.v. "Tengu."
- Carol Rose, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins, s.v. "Tengu."
- F. Hadland Davis, Myths and Legends of Japan, p. 40.
- George M. Eberhart, Mysterious Creatures: A Guide to Cryptozoology, s.v. "Tengu."
- Hero meets
4 citations
- Carol Rose, Giants, Monsters, and Dragons, s.v. "Tengu."
- Carol Rose, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins, s.v. "Tengu."
- F. Hadland Davis, Myths and Legends of Japan, p. 40.
- George M. Eberhart, Mysterious Creatures: A Guide to Cryptozoology, s.v. "Tengu."