Tengus ()Ч)
are one of my favorite Japanese yokai in Japanese folkore. I find them oddly romantic, because they could be both good and bad. Another personal reasons is because I like crows.

Tengu however aren't always crows, they are ofthen depicted as other bird like creatures. They are shape shifters that can transform into humans. As yokais, they tricked people, kidnapped children, and Buddhist priests who misused their knowledge of Buddhism. Their follklore most likely told a lesson like aesop's fable. The Sojobo, the King of Tengus, are thought to be good swords man and martial arts artist, and passed their knowledge to their clan.

Tengu's name translates to "Heavenly dog," which is confusing because they are bird like creatures with 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 offers protection to humans, mountains, and forest.

To learn more about Tengus click this link: link

--------About the art:--------
As a kid, I was facinated by all these myths and folklore, and wished to knowmore about the hisotry 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 dieties or sprits 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 mytholgoies or gods, send a link. Let's cross cultures.

Website: Chukairi.com

_{Tengu © by Chukairi
Most patterns: gimei.deviantart.com/art/Japan&}

http://chukairi.deviantart.com/art/Tengu-572487377