Fox with two tails. Fox in Japanese mythology and its meaning. Avoid kitsune - avoid deception

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✪ MYTHICAL CREATURES. Kitsune

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Folklore

In Japanese folklore, these animals have great knowledge, long life and magical powers. Chief among them is the ability to take the form of a person; the fox, according to legend, learns to do this after reaching a certain age (usually a hundred years, although in some legends it is fifty). Kitsune usually take the form of a seductive beauty, a pretty young girl, but sometimes they also turn into men. It should be noted that in Japanese mythology there was a mixture of indigenous Japanese beliefs that characterized the fox as an attribute of the god Inari (see, for example, the Legend - “Fox-weight”) and Chinese, which considered foxes to be werewolves, a race close to demons.

Other powers commonly attributed to kitsune include the ability to inhabit the bodies of others, to breathe or otherwise create fire, to appear in others' dreams, and the ability to create illusions so complex that they are almost indistinguishable from reality. Some of the tales go further, speaking of kitsune with the ability to bend space and time, drive people mad, or take on such inhuman or fantastic forms as trees of indescribable height or a second moon in the sky. Occasionally, kitsune are credited with characteristics reminiscent of vampires: they feed on the life force or spiritual force of people they come into contact with. Sometimes kitsune are described as guarding a round or pear-shaped object ( Hoshi no Tama, that is, “star ball”); it is stated that whoever takes possession of this ball can force the kitsune to help himself; one theory states that kitsune “store” part of their magic in this ball after transformation. Kitsune are required to keep their promises or face punishment by reducing their rank or power level.

Kitsune are associated with both Shinto and Buddhist beliefs. In Shinto, kitsune are associated with Inari, the patron deity of rice fields and entrepreneurship. Initially, foxes were messengers ( tsukai) this deity, but now the difference between them has become so blurred that Inari himself is sometimes depicted as a fox. In Buddhism, they gained fame thanks to the Shingon school of secret Buddhism, popular in the 9th-10th centuries in Japan, one of the main deities of which, Dakini, was depicted riding across the sky on a fox.

In folklore, a kitsune is a type of yokai, that is, a demon. In this context, the word "kitsune" is often translated as "fox spirit." However, this does not necessarily mean that they are not living creatures or that they are anything other than foxes. The word "spirit" in this case is used in the Eastern sense, reflecting a state of knowledge or insight. Any fox that lives long enough can thus become a "fox spirit." There are two main types of kitsune: myobu, or divine fox, often associated with Inari, and nogitsune, or wild fox (literally "fox of the field"), often, but not always, described as evil, having malicious intent.

Kitsune can have up to nine tails. In general, it is believed that the older and stronger the fox, the more tails it has. Some sources even claim that kitsune grows an additional tail every hundred or thousand years of its life. However, foxes found in fairy tales almost always have one, five, or nine tails.

When kitsune receive nine tails, their fur turns silver, white, or gold. These kyuubi no kitsune(“nine-tailed foxes”) gains the power of infinite insight. Similarly, in Korea it is said that a fox that lives for a thousand years turns into gumiho(Kumiho) (literally "nine-tailed fox"), but the Korean fox is usually depicted as evil, unlike the Japanese fox, which can be either benevolent or malevolent. Chinese folklore also features “fox spirits” (huli-jing), which are similar in many ways to kitsune, including the possibility of possessing nine tails.

In some stories, kitsune have difficulty hiding their tail in human form (usually foxes in such stories have only one tail, which may be an indication of the fox's weakness and inexperience). An attentive hero can expose a drunken or careless fox who has turned into a human by seeing his tail through his clothes.

One of the famous kitsune is also a great guardian spirit Kyubi. This is a guardian spirit and protector who helps young “lost” souls on their path in the current incarnation. Kyuubi usually stays for a short time, only a few days, but if attached to one soul, it can accompany it for years. This is a rare type of kitsune that rewards a lucky few with its presence and assistance. Kyuubi can control natural phenomena, time and take people to other worlds, from where they soon return as very old people. But, as a rule, such foxes rarely harm people.

In Japanese folklore, kitsune are often described as tricksters, sometimes very evil ones. Trickster kitsune use their magical powers to play pranks: those shown in a benevolent light tend to target overly proud samurai, greedy merchants, and boastful people, while more cruel kitsune seek to torment poor merchants, farmers, and Buddhist monks.

Kitsune are also often described as lovers. Such stories usually involve a young man and a kitsune disguised as a woman. Sometimes the kitsune is assigned the role of a seductress, but often such stories are rather romantic. In such stories, the young man usually marries the beauty (not knowing that she is a fox) and attaches great importance to her devotion. Many such stories have a tragic element: they end with the discovery of a fox entity, after which the kitsune must leave her husband.

The oldest known story about fox wives, which provides the folkloric etymology of the word "kitsune", is an exception in this sense. Here the fox takes the form of a woman and marries a man, after which the two, after spending several happy years together, have several children. Her fox essence is unexpectedly revealed when, in the presence of many witnesses, she is afraid of a dog, and in order to hide, she takes on her true appearance. Kitsune prepares to leave home, but her husband stops her, saying: “Now that we have been together for several years and you have given me several children, I cannot simply forget you. Please, let’s go and sleep.” The fox agrees, and since then returns to her husband every night in the form of a woman, leaving the next morning in the form of a fox. After that they began to call her kitsune- because in classical Japanese kitsu-ne means "let's go and sleep", while ki-tsune means "always coming."

Shurayuki Tamba

The word "ki-tsune" can be translated from Japanese as "child who comes at night." A long time ago, a certain Ono gave this name to his only son. And all because he immensely adored his wife, who turned out to be a werewolf-fox. This boy laid the foundation for the Kitsune family. So if you ever happen to meet a person with this last name, you should know that this is a descendant of a werewolf-fox who fell in love with a person.

In the mysterious country of Japan, high technology is closely intertwined with a mysterious and unknown world. Houses built for this purpose are adjacent to highways, and ancient stone idols stand at posts near bus stops. One wrong step and you will end up in the country from the metropolis. Of course, the gates to the other world are, as a rule, locked, but there is no such lock that cannot be opened. So it’s easy for the Japanese to meet a werewolf in human form. The main thing is to be extremely attentive - what if your random interlocutor is a werewolf...

Eastern werewolves (not only Japanese, but also Chinese, Korean, Indian and Vietnamese) are not at all similar to European ones. These are not people who take the form of animals. These are from other worlds who came to visit in the form of an animal. They can turn into a person, a tree, and sometimes even objects. Fox werewolves are different in all countries, and mythology speaks ambiguously about them. But, of course, kitsune are the most famous of all eastern werewolves. But for centuries they live next to humans, bringing with them either misfortune or good luck. Interestingly, Kitsune foxes are not a priori endowed with good or evil character traits.

Kitsune foxes in mythology

Unfortunately, there were no Japanese friends nearby, so you’ll have to take the word of the almost omnipotent Internet. So, according to the latest data, there are not just two types of werefoxes, but two classifications.

The first highlights the red Kitsune and the Hokkaido fox. Both are endowed with the gift of longevity, extensive knowledge and magical abilities. Mythology speaks of foxes as swift creatures with good eyesight and hearing. According to legends, they are able to read people's thoughts. The Japanese believe that such foxes are not much different from humans in the everyday sense - they even walk on two legs. If you pay attention to Japanese folklore, the kitsune fox is sometimes found as a demon spirit, although it would be better to call this werewolf a mischief-maker rather than a demon.

The second classification uses other names and terms. Appeared here:

Myobu is a divine fox, which is often associated with the goddess Inari, who is not averse to helping people.
The Nogitsune is a wild fox, most often in legends, and she turns out to be a werewolf with bad intentions.

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Fox Kitsune. Oriental beauty

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The fox's tail flashed. Now I have no peace - I wait every evening. Shurayuki Tamba The word “ki-tsune” can be translated from Japanese as “child of the one who comes at night.” A long time ago, a certain Ono gave this name to his only son. And all because he immensely adored his wife, who turned out to be a werewolf-fox. This boy laid the foundation for the Kitsune family. So if...

What is the meaning of kitsune? This concept refers to foxes that have supernatural skills, the main one of which is to transform or inhabit a person. The first mentions of them are found in and only later, the mystical belief in kitsune appeared in Japan, where it acquired specific details, turning into an independent folklore element. According to legend, the deity Inari once descended to earth on a snow-white fox, giving people prosperity and fertility. Inari does not have a specific gender, and can appear before a person either in the form of a lovely girl or in the form of a gray-haired old man. The deity was accompanied by subordinates - magical foxes with a mischievous rather than a good disposition. The Japanese name for fox is kitsune. They will be discussed in the article.

Classification of kitsune species

Kitsune are extraordinary creatures of Japanese folklore. There are two types of them in myths. One of them is called the Hokkaido fox, and the second is called Kitsune. Both species are carriers of ancient knowledge, use magical powers as needed, live long lives, and over time transform into a more advanced species. They have incredibly fine hearing and are able to see past and future events. When meeting such a red-haired prankster, you need to be on your guard, she knows how to read minds and will definitely try to fool the person she meets.

In Japanese mythology, kitsune is represented as an evil demon, but more often than not, the cunning werewolf spends his time creating traps and laughing at gullible travelers. There is another classification of foxes:

Myobu provides support to people and serves the deity Inari.
Nogitsune - a fox with an evil disposition, becomes a werewolf, terrifying the entire area with bloodthirsty actions.

Kitsune are unsurpassed hypnotists, capable of transporting a person to the future and past, and performing entire theatrical performances.

Always Coming: The Legend of the Kitsune

The Japanese composed a romantic legend, tinged with a touch of sadness, about a mysterious girl who turned out to be actually a kitsune. A young man from the Mino region named Ono set out to find a girl of extraordinary beauty. He asked his neighbors, looked closely at all the local beauties, but all in vain. One day the guy was completely exhausted from grief and his feet themselves led him to an abandoned wasteland. Among the milky fog, a fantastic sight opened up to him - a sophisticated charmer stood in a cloud of reddish hair, a spark of mischief splashed in her almond-shaped eyes.

Soon the wedding ended, and the young couple had a baby. At the same hour, the owner's dog gave birth to a puppy, who disliked the lady. He attacked the young mistress, and she turned into a fox and ran towards the wasteland. It began to call her in desperation: “Stay a fox if you like it better, but the doors of my house are always open for you. Come to me and our son, we will always be glad to see you.” Every night the mistress returned home, where she again acquired a human form, but in the morning she became a red fox. Therefore, “kitsu-ne” can be translated literally as “always coming.”

Kitsunetsuki - obsession or medical syndrome

There are two categories of foxes in Japanese mysticism: “Nogitsune” or free foxes and “Tenko”, who serve their mistress - the goddess Inari. In some cases, the spirit of a fox can enter a person in moments of weakness or anger. During its stay in human form, the spirit restores strength after injury.

In medical practice, the invasion of a fox or Kitsunetsuki is sometimes noted. The possessed person can be recognized by his changed gastronomic tastes: love for poultry, tofu, rice, as well as nervousness and increased sexual activity. There is an opinion that this is how “fox blood” manifests itself. In ancient times, the possessed were given over to exorcists, and then purified by fire. Suspicion fell on people with a special type of appearance - thick hair, close-set almond-shaped eyes, an elongated and slightly snub nose. A kitsune can be recognized by its reflection in a mirror or by a cast shadow, although this statement does not apply to half-breeds and higher kitsune.

Magic Abilities: Kitsune Tail

As foxes grow older, they acquire increasingly powerful magical abilities. The youngest kitsune have only one tail. While learning the art of transformation, they cannot hide it well enough under their clothes. Over time, a fox may develop three, five, seven or even nine tails. The ability to hypnosis, create illusions, the ability to become invisible, fly and change the original form appears. Young foxes play pranks among people and love tricks and deception. There are known stories of romantic relationships between humans and one-tailed kitsune.

Creatures with five or seven tails have black fur; they are no longer afraid to appear in their real form. The elite among foxes are the nine-tailed kitsune, who have reached the venerable age of thousands of years. Such creatures have incredible magical abilities, and their skin takes on a golden, white or silver color. Higher ranks of foxes can live on their own or form the retinue of Inari no Kami. They have unlimited power over time and space, they can transform into any creature or object - a huge tree, a second moon in the sky, a fire-breathing dragon. They subjugate masses of people to their will or bring madness to an entire settlement.

Foxes and flames

Since ancient times, there has been a legend that a werefox can cause a flame by hitting its tail on the ground. Kitsune are creatures who knew how to light a fire that did not cause harm, but real disasters also happened from the actions of werewolves. One of the monks was worried about a dream about a kitsune fox, so he began building a 7-story pagoda. As soon as it was built, a fire started, after which not only the pagoda burned down, but also many inhabitants died.

By the will-o'-the-wisps in the swamp they know where the kitsune are now frolicking. Red foxes breathe bluish flames or produce them from the tips of their tails. Before the New Year, kitsune from the nearest eight provinces gather to light a fox fire at the foot of an ancient tree. Residents of Japan believed that if a bright flame is visible far away, it means that heavenly foxes will bring prosperity and a rich harvest to the field.

The Art of Deception

Foxes have inexhaustible possibilities to create fantastic illusions and make people crazy. They create hallucinations that can briefly deprive a person of the ability to perceive reality adequately. One fox found out about the old man's greed and decided to laugh at him. He saw a huge field of beautiful chrysanthemums in the spring and rushed to collect armfuls of them. After all, in the fall, chrysanthemums bloom everywhere, and in the spring they can bring considerable income if you sell them on the market. Another kitsune decided to play a prank on an old woman who loved going to theatrical festivals. One day, grandma was returning home through a mountain pass and found herself in a real theater, where she saw a touching love story between a courageous samurai and a snow-white fox.

Revenge for the offense caused

Fox Kitsune takes revenge on her offenders with particular cruelty. A samurai once scared a werewolf, and he harbored a grudge. Two envoys from the master arrived at the warrior’s home with orders to immediately commit seppuku. The warrior wanted to immediately follow the order, but at the last moment the dogs recognized the werewolves, revealing the deception.

In another story, a samurai severely wounded a werewolf during a hunt, for which he turned into a human and burned down the offender’s house.

Avoid kitsune - avoid deception

Although in Japanese folklore the antics of a kitsune are treated with condescension, it is better not to meet her on the road, and if this happens, try to appease her. To dispel hallucinations, you need to read a Buddhist prayer or sprinkle salt around a fainted person, saying: “Werewolf, go away!” You can recognize a werewolf with the help of fire: if you bring it to a kitsune, it takes on its true form.

Fox lights or "kitsune-bi"

Werewolves can reveal their presence in the dead of night with music or flickering lights in the wastelands. If a person shows interest and goes to find out what is happening, then no one can guarantee his safety. The source of the lights are star pearls, reminiscent of precious stones or pearls, endowed with magical properties. Kitsune in fox form wear pearls around their necks or in their mouths. If you manage to take possession of such an artifact, the fox will grant any wish for the return of the valuable item.

It is worth remembering that a werewolf can call his friends for help, and then it is not a reward that awaits, but punishment. But the magical creature is obliged to fulfill the wish of the insolent person, otherwise he will be demoted in status and position. In exchange for a pearl, a fox can give many gifts, but you should not ask for material items, because kitsune are masters of lies and tricks. In your hands, gold bars crumble into pieces of bark, money turns into leaves, and precious stones become pebbles. Intangible gifts from kitsune are extremely valuable - longevity, health, good luck in all matters.

Inari Shrines - Kitsune Worship

The god Inari has been associated with foxes in the Japanese minds for several centuries. There are now about 30 thousand Shinto shrines in the country, which indicates the proximity of the deity to every home. The shrines can be recognized from afar - the torii gates are painted red, which is considered a talismanic color. The gates are painted with cinnabar, which has been applied to the face since ancient times to protect against the influence of evil forces. Over time, they stopped painting faces, but they still paint the gates of the god Inari, and also use red when creating kitsune. On both sides of the entrance to the temple territory there are foxes with their mouths closed or open; some hold in their teeth the keys to a barn with grain, ears of corn or a ball, symbolizing a stone that fulfills all wishes. Foxes are considered the patrons of trade, which is associated with the red color of the coat, denoting prosperity and wealth.

Symbolism of the kitsune mask

The Japanese purchase ceramic foxes and kitsune masks to decorate their homes, and families also go to the temple to ask the deity for wealth and prosperity. When creating a Japanese kitsune mask, two colors are traditionally used - white and red. White is considered a symbol of nothingness, and red is perceived as the sun and fire. Just as fire can appear in two forms, so a kitsune can either bring blessing and warmth, or destruction and fire.

Kitsune (Japanese) is the Japanese name for fox. There are two subspecies of foxes in Japan: the Japanese red fox (Hondo kitsune, native to Honshu; Vulpes vulpes japonica) and the Hokkaido fox (Kita kitsune, native to Hokkaido; Vulpes vulpes schrencki).

Kitsune usually take the form of a seductive beauty, a pretty young girl, but sometimes they also turn into old men.

It should be noted that in Japanese mythology there was a mixture of indigenous Japanese beliefs, which characterized the fox as an attribute of the goddess Inari, and Chinese, which considered foxes to be werewolves, close to demons.

“For ordinary zoology, the Chinese fox is not very different from the rest, but this is not so for the Kitsune. Statistics indicate that its lifespan ranges from eight hundred to a thousand years. This creature is believed to bring misfortune and that every part of the fox’s body has a magical purpose. It is enough for him to hit his tail on the ground to cause a fire, he can predict the future and take on the forms of old people, or innocent youths, or scientists. He is cunning, cautious, and skeptical. He finds satisfaction in small tricks and storms. After death, the souls of people move to Foxes. Their burrows are found near cemeteries." (Jorge Luis Borges "Book of Fictional Creatures")

In folklore, a kitsune is a type of yokai, or demon. In this context, the word "kitsune" is often translated as "fox spirit." However, this does not necessarily mean that they are not living creatures or that they are anything other than foxes. The word "spirit" in this case is used in the Eastern sense, reflecting a state of knowledge or insight. Any fox that lives long enough can thus become a "fox spirit."

"Types" and names of kitsune:
Bakemono Kitsune are magical or demonic foxes, such as Reiko, Kiko or Koryo, that is, some kind of immaterial fox.
Byakko - "white fox", a very good omen, usually has the sign of service to Inari and acts as a messenger of the Gods.
Genko - "black fox". Usually a good sign.
Yako or Yakan - almost any fox, the same as Kitsune.
Kiko is a "spirit fox", a type of Reiko.
Koryo is a "stalking fox", a type of Reiko.
Kuko or Kuyuko (in the sense of “u” with the sound “yu”) is an “air fox”, extremely bad and harmful. Has an equal place with Tengu in the pantheon.
Nogitsune is a "wild fox" and is also used to distinguish between "good" and "bad" foxes. Sometimes the Japanese use "Kitsune" to name a good fox messenger from Inari and "Nogitsune" - foxes that commit mischief and trick people. However, this is not a real demon, but rather a mischief-maker, prankster and trickster. Their behavior is reminiscent of Loki from Scandinavian mythology.
Reiko is a "ghost fox", sometimes not on the side of Evil, but definitely not good.
Tenko - "divine fox". Kitsune who reached the age of 1000 years. They usually have 9 tails (and sometimes a golden skin), but each of them is either very “bad” or benevolent and wise, like Inari’s messenger.
Shakko - "red fox". Can be both on the side of Good and on the side of Evil, the same as Kitsune.

The heavenly patron of kitsune is the goddess of rice Inari. Their statues are an integral part of the temples in her honor. Moreover, some sources indicate that Inari herself is the highest kitsune. She is usually accompanied by two snow-white foxes with nine tails. Inari is especially popular in Kyushu, where an annual festival is held in her honor. At the festival, the main dish is fried tofu, bean curd (something like our cheesecakes) - it is in this form that both kitsune and quite ordinary Japanese foxes prefer it. There are temples and chapels dedicated to kitsune as such.

One of the famous Kitsune is also the great guardian spirit Kyuubi. This is a guardian spirit and protector who helps young “lost” souls on their path in the current incarnation. Kyuubi usually stays for a short time, only a few days, but if attached to one soul, it can accompany it for years. This is a rare type of kitsune that rewards a lucky few with its presence and assistance.

The question of the origin of kitsune is complex and poorly defined. Most sources agree that some people who have not led the most righteous, secretive and obscure way of life become kitsune after death. After the kitsune is born, it grows and gains strength. A kitsune reaches adulthood at the age of 50-100, at which time it acquires the ability to change shape. The level of power of a werefox depends on age and rank - which is determined by the number of tails and the color of the skin.

When kitsune receive nine tails, their fur turns silver, white, or gold. These kyubi no kitsune ("nine-tailed foxes") gain the power of infinite insight. Similarly, in Korea it is said that a fox that has lived for a thousand years turns into a gumiho (literally "nine-tailed fox"), but the Korean fox is always depicted as evil, unlike the Japanese fox, which can be either benevolent or malevolent. Chinese folklore also features "fox spirits" with many similarities to kitsune, including the possibility of nine tails.

I will hate if I can, but if I can’t, I will love against my will... (c)

I edited and added to the article, so I decided to raise it)

NAME: Kitsune
OTHER NAMES: Kitsune, Fire Fox, Silver Fox
CLASS: (demon youkai) / (in some fantasy books)
HABITAT: wasteland, hills, among people
APPEARANCE: Werewolves. In their first (main) incarnation, kitsune look like a many-tailed fox, in the second, they look like a man with a fox tail. Well, all the features of their appearance will be described in more detail below.

Kitsune in Japanese mythology, foxes are werewolves. They are considered smart, cunning creatures that can transform into people. They obey Inari, the goddess of cereal plants. These animals have great knowledge, long life, and magical abilities. Chief among them, as already mentioned, is the ability to take the form of a person; the fox, according to legend, learns to do this upon reaching a certain age (usually a hundred years, although in some legends it is fifty). Kitsune usually take the form of a seductive beauty, a pretty young girl, but sometimes they also turn into old men. A kitsune's magical abilities grow as they grow older and gain new levels in the hierarchy. If the capabilities of a one-tailed young kitsune are very limited, then they acquire the capabilities of powerful hypnosis, the creation of complex illusions and entire illusory spaces. With the help of their magic pearls, kitsune are able to defend themselves with fire and lightning. Over time, the ability to fly, become invisible and take on any form is acquired. Higher kitsune have power over space and time, are able to take magical forms - dragons, giant trees up to the sky, a second moon in the sky; They know how to induce madness in people and massively subjugate them to their will.

The heavenly patron of kitsune is the goddess of rice Inari. Their statues are an integral part of the temples in her honor. Moreover, some sources indicate that Inari herself is the highest kitsune. At the same time, in fact, the gender of Inari no Kami is not determined - just like kitsune in general as such. Inari is capable of appearing in the guise of a warrior or a wise old man, a young girl or a beautiful woman. She is usually accompanied by two snow-white foxes with nine tails. In houses, images of foxes in netsuke are placed at the entrance to ward off deception and lies that bad people can bring. There are temples and chapels dedicated to kitsune as such.

Rain falling from a clear sky is sometimes called kitsune-no-yomeiri or " kitsune wedding».

Word kitsune often translated as ghost - fox spirit, however, this does not mean that they are inanimate beings. The word "spirit" is used in Eastern mythologies, reflecting the level of knowledge or enlightenment of a being. Any fox that lives long enough can no longer be just a beast, but a fox spirit. There are two main types of kitsune. Moyobu, or divine fox, associated with Inari and considered a benevolent spirit. AND nogitsune, or wild fox(literally "field fox"), which is often presented as a malevolent creature.

The origin of the word “kitsune” has two variants. The first is according to Nozaki, he derives it from the ancient onomatopoeia of the fox barking “kitsu-kitsu”. However, in modern language it is rendered as “kon-kon”. The other option is less scientific, but more romantic. It dates back to the first documented kitsune legend, dating back to the early Asuka period - 538-710 AD.

Ono, a resident of the Mino region, searched for a long time and could not find his ideal of female beauty. But one foggy evening, near a large moor (the usual place for meetings with fairies among the Celts), he unexpectedly met his dream. They got married, she bore him a son. But at the same time as the birth of his son, the dog Ono brought a puppy. The larger the puppy became, the more aggressive he became towards the Lady of the Wasteland. She got scared and asked her husband to kill the dog. But he refused. One day the dog rushed at Lady. In horror, she threw off her human form, turned into a fox, and ran away. Ono, however, began to look for her and call: “You may be a fox - but I love you, and you are the mother of my son; you can come to me whenever you want.” Lady Fox heard It, and from then on every night she came to him in the guise of a woman, and in the morning she ran away into the wasteland in the guise of a fox. From this legend two variants of translation of the word “kitsune” are derived. Either "kitsu ne", an invitation to spend the night together - Ono's call to his runaway wife; or “ki-tsune” - “always coming.”

Kitsunes primarily have two tails, although the older and wiser the fox, the more tails it will have. However, foxes that appear in folk stories almost always have one, five, or nine tails.

A young kitsune, as a rule, engages in mischief among people, and also enters into romantic relationships with them of varying degrees of seriousness - in such stories, one-tailed foxes almost always act. In addition, very young kitsune often betray themselves by their inability to hide their tail - apparently, while still learning transformations, they are often betrayed even at a higher level by a shadow or reflection.

Looking for an extra tail on a fox is one of the generally accepted methods to recognize a kitsune, but some sources talk about other methods to reveal the true form. Sometimes, the girl the fox has turned into casts not a human shadow, but an animal one; other stories say that the reflection of a kitsune girl in a mirror will be that of a fox.

As they age, foxes acquire new ranks - with three, five, seven and nine tails. Interestingly, three-tailed foxes are especially rare - perhaps they are serving somewhere else during this period. Five- and seven-tailed kitsune, often black, usually appear in front of a person when they need it, without hiding their essence. The Nine-Tails (in Japan they are called kyubi-no-kitsune, in Korea - kumiho) are the elite kitsune, no younger than 1000 years old. Nine-tailed foxes typically have silver, white, or gold coats and a ton of high magical abilities. They are part of Inari no Kami's retinue, serve as her emissaries, or live on their own. However, some even at this level do not refrain from committing small and large dirty tricks - the famous Tamamo no Mae, who terrified Asia from India to Japan, was just a nine-tailed kitsune. According to legend, Koan, another famous mystic, turned to the nine-tailed kitsune at the end of his earthly life.

There is even a certain classification of kitsune:
Yako or Yakan- ordinary kitsune.
Byakko(“white fox”) is a very good omen, usually has a sign of service to Inari and acts as a messenger of the Gods.
Genko(“black fox”) is usually a good sign.
Reiko("ghost fox") - sometimes not on the side of Evil, but definitely not good.
Kiko("spiritual fox").
Corio("stalking fox").
Cuco or Cuyuco("air fox") - extremely bad and harmful. Occupies an equal place with Tengu in the pantheon.
Nogitsune ("wild fox") - this concept is at the same time used to distinguish between "good" and "bad" foxes. Sometimes the Japanese use "kitsune" to name a good fox messenger from Inari and "nogitsune" - foxes that commit mischief and cheat with people. However, this is not a real demon, but rather a mischief-maker, prankster and trickster. Their behavior is reminiscent of Loki from Scandinavian mythology.
Tenko(“divine fox”) - a kitsune who has reached the age of 1000 years. They usually have nine tails (and sometimes a golden skin), but each of them is either very “bad” or benevolent and wise, like Inari’s messenger.
Shakko(“red fox”) - can be both on the side of Good and on the side of Evil.

One of the characteristic features of a kitsune is “ kitsune-bi» (Fox Lights) - Foxes may, either accidentally or deliberately, indicate their presence at night with mysterious lights and music on moors and hills. Moreover, no one guarantees the safety of a person who dares to go check their nature. Legends describe the source of these lights as " Hoshi no Tama"(Star Pearls), white balls similar to pearls or precious stones that have magical powers. Kitsune always have such pearls with them, in fox form they keep them in their mouths, or wear them around their necks. Kitsune value these artifacts very much, and in exchange for their return they may agree to fulfill a person's wishes. But, again, it is difficult to guarantee the safety of the impudent person after returning - and in case of refusal to return the pearl, the kitsune can attract his friends to help. However, the kitsune must fulfill the promise given to a person in such a situation, like a fairy, otherwise he risks being demoted in position and status. Fox statues in Inari temples almost always have such balls on them.

Kitsune, in gratitude, or in exchange for the return of their pearl, can give a person a lot. However, you should not ask them for material objects - after all, they are great masters of illusion. Money will turn into leaves, gold bars into pieces of bark, and precious stones into ordinary ones. But the intangible gifts of foxes are very valuable. First of all, Knowledge, of course - but this is not for everyone... however, foxes may well bestow health, longevity, success in business and safety on the road.

To achieve their goals, kitsune are capable of much. For example, they can take the form of a specific person. Thus, the Kabuki play “Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees” tells about a kitsune named Genkuro. The mistress of the famous military leader Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Lady Shizuka, had a magic drum made in ancient times from the skins of kitsune - namely, Genkuro's parents. He set himself the goal of returning the drum and interring the remains of his parents to the ground. To do this, the fox turned to one of the warlord’s confidants - but the young kitsune made a mistake and was discovered. Genkuro explained the reason for his entry into the castle, Yoshitsune and Shizuka returned the drum to him. In gratitude, he granted Yoshitsune his magical protection.

The story of the fox document told by the Chinese poet Niu Jiao is very funny and revealing. Official Wang, while on a business trip to the capital, one evening saw two foxes near a tree. They stood on their hind legs and laughed merrily. One of them was holding a piece of paper in her paw. Van began shouting at the foxes to leave - but the kitsune ignored his indignation. Then Van threw a stone at one of the foxes, hitting the one holding the document in the eye. The fox dropped the paper, and both disappeared into the forest. Van took the document, but it turned out to be written in a language unknown to him. Then Van went to the tavern and began to tell everyone about the incident. While he was telling his story, a man with a bandage on his forehead came in and asked to see the paper. However, the owner of the inn noticed a tail peeking out from under his robe, and the fox hastened to retreat. The foxes tried several more times to return the document while Van was in the capital - but each time they were unsuccessful. When he went back to his district, on the way, with considerable surprise, he met a whole caravan of his relatives. They reported that he himself sent them a letter saying that he had received a profitable appointment in the capital, and invited them to come there. To celebrate, they quickly sold all their property and hit the road. Of course, when Van was shown the letter, it turned out to be a blank piece of paper. The Wang family had to return back with heavy losses. After some time, his brother, who was considered dead in a distant province, returned to Van. They began to drink wine and tell stories from their lives. When Van reached the story of the fox document, his brother asked to see it. Seeing the paper, the brother grabbed it, saying “finally!” turned into a fox and jumped out the window.

In Japanese folklore, kitsune are often depicted as tricksters, sometimes very malicious ones. They usually choose overly proud samurai, greedy merchants, and simply boastful people as their targets. Despite their role as deceivers, kitsune often become companions and wives of human men and lead a very noble lifestyle.

Kitsune are also often depicted in romance stories. These romance novels usually involve a young man and a vixen who takes the form of a beautiful woman to seduce him. Many of these stories could end quite tragically. If a husband caught his wife being a werewolf, she had to leave her husband and he fell ill in grief.

The offspring of marriages between humans and kitsune are usually attributed special physical and/or supernatural properties. The exact nature of these properties, however, varies greatly from one source to another. Among those believed to have such extraordinary powers is the famous onmyoji Abe no Seimei, who was a han'yō (half-demon), the son of a human and a kitsune named Kuzunoha.

This is what they are, these creatures, subjects of the goddess Inari. Cheerful and angry, romantic and cynical, prone to both terrible crimes and sublime self-sacrifice. Possessing enormous magical capabilities, but sometimes suffering defeat due to purely human weaknesses.

A source of information: It was copied almost word for word from the Internet; the link to this article has not been preserved. Alas, I don’t know who the author is, but I don’t want to take credit for someone else’s colossal work.

Kitsune in anime and manga:

1. Soushi Mikitsukami- a descendant of demonic fox blood and the owner of incredible multi-colored eyes. In his demonic form, Soushi appears to have white fox ears and nine tails, while wearing a white kimono. One of the main characters of the anime "The Dog, Me and the Secret Service" (Inu x Boku SS).

2. Shippo- a mischievous fox boy who joins the company of Kagome and Inuyasha in the anime InuYasha.

3. O-Chan(Osaki) is a kitsune spirit that has the appearance of a white two-tailed fox, always accompanying Tamaki, Princess Tamayori, in the anime "Scarlet Shards" (Hiiro no Kakera). Can disappear and reappear at any time. Also able to merge with Tamaki's power, increasing her spiritual power.

There is another fox in this anime, more precisely a descendant and rebirth of the fox god Komura Yuichi, who is one of the guardians of Princess Tamayori and the demonic sword Onikirimaru. Yuichi does not know how to transform into a fox, but when he fights to the limit of his strength, he, like other guardians, manifests the bestial traits of a distant ancestor. He also has the power of fox flames.

4. Any fan of the anime "Naruto" will immediately remember the demon fox when he mentions Kurama, the nine-tailed demonic fox (kyuubi). Once upon a time he attacked the shinobi village of Konoha, many people died before the beast was pacified and sealed. And Naruto's body became the prison for the kyuubi.

5. Demon Fox Tomoe, guardian at the temple of the Earth god Mikage, one of the main characters in the anime "Very Nice, God" (Kami-sama Hajimemashita).

6. Con- one of the foxes from the Inari Temple, servants of the goddess Uki, in the anime "Inari, Foxes and Magical Love" (Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha). Kon was once saved by a girl named Inari, and after Inari received part of Uki's divine powers, she became the girl's assistant.

7. Gintaro and Kinjiro- a pair of guardian foxes from the Saeki Temple, dedicated to the goddess Inari, in the anime "Silver Fox" (Gingitsune).

8. Cute little fox, whose name was never given, is Natsume's friend. The kid was even ready to give up his own name for the sake of this friendship, but Natsume did not accept such a sacrifice. Anime "Natsume's Notebook of Friendship" (Natsume Yuujinchou)

9. Five foxes from the Osaka house, loyal and diligent servants of Kaname Osaka. Their charm, as well as the smile of their beloved owner, is deceptive; if necessary, foxes can be deadly. They also often and easily change their appearance. Anime "Hakkenden: Legend of the Eight Dogs of the East" (Hakkenden Touhou Hakken Ibun).

10. Hakumann no Mono is a powerful nine-tailed fox that terrorizes both humans and youkai in the anime and manga Ushio and Tora. He loves to destroy countries by manipulating their rulers. She was sealed under a powerful magical barrier and fell into a slumber, however, she continued to act, sending her avatars to work.

11. Kushimatsu- purebred demon fox. Looks like a white fox in a kimono. He is the guardian of half-breed girls, including Zakuro. Very kind and caring. Anime "Demon Girl Zakuro" (Otome Yokai Zakuro).

12. Pokemon vulpix, a red fox with nine tails, and ninetalis(evolution of the vulpix), which has the appearance of a white nine-tailed fox, also evokes the idea of a kitsune with its appearance. Even their element is appropriate - fire.