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Description
Tengus (天狗)
are one of my favorite Japanese yokai in Japanese folklore. I find them oddly romantic because they could be both good and bad. Another personal reason is that I like crows.

Tengus aren't always crows, they are often depicted as other bird-like creatures. They are shapeshifters that can transform into humans. The Tengus have a hierarchical society, and the Sojobo, the King of Tengus, is the biggest of all Tengus. Tengus are thought to be a good swordsman and martial arts artist and passed their knowledge to their clan. As yokais, they tricked people, kidnapped children, and Buddhist priests who misused their knowledge of Buddhism. Mainly Tengus taught lessons similar to Aesop's fable.

Tengu'sname translates to "Heavenly dog," which is confusing because they are bird-like creatures with the human body. Depending on which parts of Japan, they can either have a bird beak or long nose and variation of wings. The origin of Tengu subjective, since Buddhism has a wide range of gods. The possible origin might be from the Hindu god, Garuda, who has wings on his back and is known to carry out Dharma (the law) to protect the Sutra (knowledge of Buddhism). The name "Tengu" might have carried over from China when Buddhism arrived in Japan 16-17AD.

Modern days, Tengus have deviated away from their Yokai or demon attributes and gained a protector title.
They are deities that offer protection to humans, mountains, and forest.

To learn more about Tengus click this link: link

--------About the art:--------
As a kid, I was fascinated by all these myths and folklore and wished to know more about the history and tales behind each character. But I think after too many questions to my grandfather about "why" or "how" it eventually just end up being "just because!" Still, there's a nostalgia when you hear grandparents telling you folklores, and I love it.

This is my current art project. I'm working on a new art book of Asian mythologies. After The Color of the Fox art, I wanted to portray more of these Asian deities or spirits with respect and understanding of culture. In hope of sharing cultures and history, in a modern way. By creating this, I hope they become a guide for people.

If you know any good tales of Tengus, please write one below!
If you know any interesting mythologies or gods, send a link. Let's cross cultures.

Mori Galaxy
  Mori Galaxy
  TikTok
  Twitter

  Artstation

Art done by Morigalaxy
You are not authorized to use this work.
in any way, shape or form! (art trace included.)

Description
Tengus (天狗)
are one of my favorite Japanese yokai in Japanese folklore. I find them oddly romantic because they could be both good and bad. Another personal reason is that I like crows.

Tengus aren't always crows, they are often depicted as other bird-like creatures. They are shapeshifters that can transform into humans. The Tengus have a hierarchical society, and the Sojobo, the King of Tengus, is the biggest of all Tengus. Tengus are thought to be a good swordsman and martial arts artist and passed their knowledge to their clan. As yokais, they tricked people, kidnapped children, and Buddhist priests who misused their knowledge of Buddhism. Mainly Tengus taught lessons similar to Aesop's fable.

Tengu'sname translates to "Heavenly dog," which is confusing because they are bird-like creatures with the human body. Depending on which parts of Japan, they can either have a bird beak or long nose and variation of wings. The origin of Tengu subjective, since Buddhism has a wide range of gods. The possible origin might be from the Hindu god, Garuda, who has wings on his back and is known to carry out Dharma (the law) to protect the Sutra (knowledge of Buddhism). The name "Tengu" might have carried over from China when Buddhism arrived in Japan 16-17AD.

Modern days, Tengus have deviated away from their Yokai or demon attributes and gained a protector title.
They are deities that offer protection to humans, mountains, and forest.

To learn more about Tengus click this link: link

--------About the art:--------
As a kid, I was fascinated by all these myths and folklore and wished to know more about the history and tales behind each character. But I think after too many questions to my grandfather about "why" or "how" it eventually just end up being "just because!" Still, there's a nostalgia when you hear grandparents telling you folklores, and I love it.

This is my current art project. I'm working on a new art book of Asian mythologies. After The Color of the Fox art, I wanted to portray more of these Asian deities or spirits with respect and understanding of culture. In hope of sharing cultures and history, in a modern way. By creating this, I hope they become a guide for people.

If you know any good tales of Tengus, please write one below!
If you know any interesting mythologies or gods, send a link. Let's cross cultures.

Mori Galaxy
  Mori Galaxy
  TikTok
  Twitter

  Artstation

Art done by Morigalaxy
You are not authorized to use this work.
in any way, shape or form! (art trace included.)