★ Overview
KITSUNE
According to Japanese folklore, Kitsune are foxes that possess a unique intelligence and even more unique paranormal abilities and attributes. Some stories say that all Kitsune, that is to say all foxes, have the ability to shapeshift into a more human form. Some myths will explain that they usually do this with some kind of trickery in mind, and others still portray them as faithful guardians or even friends.
Kitsune is simply the Japanese word for fox, however, it seems that it might not be “just” anything. Foxes have held a special place in Japanese folklore for hundreds of years, and as such, have had many different, wide ranging traits attributed to them.
In some ways, you could see many similarities to certain vampire myths in the west. Kitsune are said to take the form of attractive women in order to control, deceive, or lure men to otherwise undesirable fates. One of the ways that people would spot or identify Kitsune was by looking for fox shaped shadows or reflections in mirrors. Since the Kitsune was believed to have difficulty hiding their “wisdom tails”, this was seen as an effective way of rooting out spiritual meddling.
Origin & History
The earliest known mention of Kitsune as it relates to Japanese folklore can be found in the Konjaku Monogatarishū (which translates to Anthology of Tales from the Past). The Konjaku Monogatarishū is collection of over a thousand tales, stories, legends, and myths written or recorded sometime between the year 794 and 1185, which is known as the Heian Period. Stories from places like India and China are included in the collection. In this collection, each tale begins with Japanese version of “Once upon a time”.
During the particularly superstitious Edo period (1603 – 1867), Kitsune were seen as a sort of trickster spirit to be avoided. They weren’t seen as demons exactly, but rather “witch animals” that could be a nuisance if given the opportunity. As the spirit ages it grows more tails. They’re said to have as many as nine tails, and that the more tails a Kitsune has, the older, wiser, and more powerful it is.
Powers & Abilities
- Kitsune were often said to transform into human form in order to deceive a man or woman into becoming romantically involved with the spirit. In yet other tales, the deception by the Kitsune wasn’t out of maliciousness, but rather loneliness: they simply wanted a suitable “mate” to share their lives with, or to assimilate into a more human society.
- The ability to possess a human in much the same way demon would. There is even a specific word for the state of being possessed by fox spirit: Kitsenetsuki. Usually victims were described as attractive young women.
- Producing fire or lightning at will, to control the dreams of others, the ability to fly, turn invisible, et cetera. Depending on the specific myth, some even suggest that Kitsune survive by feeding on the lifeforce of living beings or even other spirits.
- In certain folk beliefs, Kitsune were seen to bring mental illness in the form of possession. Other legends suggest that certain families or “Fox Witches” (a sort of Japanese witch doctor or witch craft) were able to significantly benefit from their relationship with the fox spirits.
Appearance
- Fox-Like Appearance: Kitsune are typically depicted as foxes with a red or white coat. They can have up to nine tails, which is a sign of great power and age. Their eyes are usually depicted as being intelligent and crafty.
- Human Form: Kitsune have the ability to transform into human form, usually taking on the appearance of a beautiful young woman. In human form, they often wear traditional Japanese clothing, such as a kimono.