Dai-Tengu - 大天狗 - Greater Tengu - [Yokai]

Dai-Tengu - 大天狗 -  "Greater tengu" aka "Yamabushi tengu" sometimes also called "Hanadaka" Tengu. - The iconic red, moustached, Long nosed Tengu, Masters of sword fighting, Teleportation & KamiKakushi (mysterious kidnappings.) The longer the nose, The more powerful the Tengu is! --Despite their frightening powers, they tend to have a gullible & overconfident streak in folktales..

 -Please note- this bio is currently under re-construction I will likely come back and add more once the next zine is complete :)

Most probably recognize them as the "Japanese Goblin Emoji 👺" - Yokai in the west have been referred to as "Japanese goblins" for decades now... But the term is becoming long outdated, tengu are decidedly not goblins. - in short, Tengu are their own thing, with a deep lore, history, and religious tie-ins across japan...

Tengu-kyo: While Most tengu are referred to impersonally: According to the "Tengu-Sutra" it has been said that across japans mountain peaks there are 48 Tengu clans each with 125,000 members. Each lead by their own Dai-Tengu with its own name, rank and in some cases, unique powers. - to list a few of the most powerful chieftains include "Sōjōbō of Mount Karuma, Tarōbō of Mount Atago, Jirōbō of Mount Hira, Saburōbō of Mount Kōya, Shirōbo of Mount Nachi, and Buzenbō of Mount Kannokura".

[the tengu sutra.]

The Tengus Uchiwa (天狗の団扇) is traditionally made of 7-19 feathers: (Sojobo is said to own a 7 feathered fan.) But in pop-culture, possibly due to having a similar shiloette: it seems that in modern times, most people have come to draw it as a gigantic Maple(Momiji)-leaf! - (Many like to blame Touhou project for starting that trend, however it likely came about a while earlier.) - it seems that at one point the fan was at one point simply associated with Tengu being evil, fanning the flames of fires, but in later folktales it became more of a tool used for blowing gale force winds as well as growing peoples noses.

Tengu-Geta: Tengu typically wear long sandals making them appear extra tall and frightening.

According to folklore from Ishikawa prefecture, Tengu loathe Mackerel (Saba) so if you ever find that you're about to be kidnapped by a tengu, just say, "I ate Saba, I ate Saba!!" and you'll be returned (The earliest account of this dates back to at least 1915-1937.) - Additionally, charms featuring fish have been said be a good wards against Tengu kidnappings.

Please see also:

Sticker Art by @Samkalensky (yo thats me!) - Part of my Night parade of 100 Demons - Yokai & Japanese folklore sticker collection, weather-resistant 4" Glossy sticker. Check my shop & follow @samkalensky for many more!