Back to Events
Tengu
Mountain goblins with long red noses or bird-like beaks. Master martial artists and swordsmen who have taught legendary warriors. They can possess people and cause chaos, but also protect sacred mountains.
Ancient - Present
Japan
5000+ witnesses
Tengu are Japan’s powerful mountain spirits.
The Legend
According to Japanese folklore:
Tengu are:
- Mountain dwelling spirits
- Originally bird-like
- Now with long red noses
- Extremely powerful
- Protectors and tricksters
Two Types
Tengu evolved:
- Karasu-tengu (crow tengu)
- Bird-beaked, wings
- Daitengu (great tengu)
- Human-like with long nose
- More powerful
Their Powers
Tengu can:
- Fly
- Master all martial arts
- Possess humans
- Create windstorms
- Cause madness
Famous Stories
Legendary tales:
- Taught Minamoto no Yoshitsune swordsmanship
- Abducted and returned people
- Protected Mount Kurama
- Punished the arrogant
- Caused mass hysteria
Tengu-kakushi
“Hidden by tengu”:
- People disappear
- Found days later
- No memory
- State of confusion
- Common explanation for disappearances
Sacred Mountains
They dwell:
- On high peaks
- In ancient forests
- Near temples
- Protecting holy places
- Mount Kurama especially
Modern Belief
Today:
- Masks are common
- Festival figures
- Protective spirits
- Cultural icons
- Still respected