Kitsune: The good and evil fox of Japanese folklore
Kitsune is a popular figure in Japanese mythology. It is often portrayed as a fox with red or white fur, sharp eyes and bushy tails. In some depictions, the Kitsune or fox has multiple tails (1 to 9), indicating its age and magical powers! Kitsune is often portrayed as mischievous and known for playing tricks on humans. However, it can also be seen as a symbol of good fortune, particularly in the Shinto religion from Japan. Interestingly, there are similar trickster animals in other cultures as well. Intrigued to know more about the striking Japanese figure? Let's explore the two sides of the Kitsune in Japanese folklore and compare it with similar animals in different cultures!
The mythical fox
Kitsune is a fascinating and fearsome creature in Japanese folklore. It is believed to possess many magical abilities, including shape-shifting, possession, mind control and illusion. Some legends suggest that Kitsune can breathe fire, create illusions and cause natural disasters, such as thunderstorms and earthquakes! But where does the Kitsune get its power from? You will be surprised to know its source. The tails! Yes, the greater the number of tails, the more powerful the Kitsune is! How fascinating is that? In Japanese mythology, the Kitsune is associated with both good and evil. Let's dive into these stories!
Kitsune, the guardian fox of good luck
The Kitsune has been worshipped by the Japanese as a god or a Shinto deity in its own right. If you visit Japan, you will find shrines dedicated to Kitsune! In the Shinto dominated regions of Japan, Kitsune holds a special place because it is believed to be a messenger of Inari, the god of fertility and agriculture. Inari's Kitsune was thought to be white and viewed as a symbol of good luck. It was known to protect the shrines of Inari and ward off evil spirits. In some folklores, Kitsune is shown as a guardian and protector of farmers and their crops. Farmers would often leave offerings of rice and sake at the shrine of Kitsune in the hope of receiving a bountiful harvest.
Kitsune, the trickster
In Japanese mythology and folklore, Kitsune is often depicted as a trickster and mischievous creature who enjoys playing pranks on humans. It mostly plays tricks on those who were overly proud or self-righteous. In many stories, the Kitsune has also been portrayed as abusing poor farming families or devout Buddhist monks. This fox uses its cunning and magical abilities to outsmart and manipulate victims. Kitsune was believed to be a female with male victims.
One common legend in Japanese folklore tells the story of Kitsune posing as a distressed female traveller or monk on a pilgrimage. It would convince a villager to take it in for the night, only to steal his food and valuables while the family slept! In another variation of this narrative, Kitsune coaxed its victims into a secluded place where they would likely be killed or robbed. Terrifying, weren't they?
Tricksters in other cultures
Kitsune is not the only trickster animal found in folklores. There are other similar animals and figures in other cultures too. There is a fox similar to Kitsune in Chinese mythology. The legends of the fox were recorded in the 11th-century collection of early Chinese narratives called Konjaku Monogatarish. In Native American folklore, coyote is often depicted as a trickster figure known for its intelligence, adaptability and cunning. In African folklore, spider Anansi is a trickster who often uses wit and cleverness to outsmart its enemies whereas, in Norse mythology, the god Loki is a trickster figure known for cunning and mischief. He is often portrayed as a shape-shifter, capable of assuming various forms to trick his enemies and cause chaos!