It is a mystical being of the forests and mountains of Japanese folk, art, theater and literature with Shinto and Buddhist attributes. They are often classified as Yōkai (妖怪) or spirit-monster, and are sometimes worshiped as Shinto Kami (神, spirits or gods). The origin of Tengu legend dates back to the 6th century, shortly after the beginning of the expansion of Buddhism in Japan through the influence of Korea and China. They were particularly strong on the outskirts of Mount Kurama (鞍馬), where it was believed to be the home of Sôjôbô (僧 正 坊, lit. priest of Buddhism), the king of the Tengu. Their supernatural powers include changing their appearance in humans or animals, talking to humans without moving their mouth or ventriloquism, teleportation and the unique ability to penetrate mortals' dreams and play tricks on Buddhist priests and Samurai warriors by punishing those who voluntarily abuse knowledge. and authority to earn fame or position. They dislike bucks and those who are corrupt to the Dharma (Sanskrit for natural law or cosmic law).
The term Tengu means "Heavenly Dog," but it does not match the appearance shown to this mysterious figure, mostly as a half man and half crow. It is credited to a creature called Tien Kou (天狗, Tiangou) from Chinese mythology. One plausible theory is that the Chinese Tien Kou derived its name from a meteor that crashed in China in the 6th century BC. The tail of the falling body resembled a dog's tail, hence the name and its initial association with destructive powers.
Commonly the Tengu were drawn in two different ways: The Karasu Tengu (烏 天狗): with the humanoid body but a raven head. The Konoha Tengu (木 の 葉 天狗) or Yamabushi Tengu (山 仏 師 天狗): With human features, but with wings and long noses and sometimes carrying a fan of feathers. Masks depicting their faces were widely used at festivals.
Originally the Tengu were portrayed as an evil creature with a man's body and raven's head, feathered wings and claws, the Tengu has since evolved into a protective bird or elf with an unmistakable long nose, wearing a small monk's hat, often with a red face and feather fan. Martial arts protectors are credited with extraordinary skills in the art of sword fighting and weapon forging. They sometimes serve as mentors in the art of warfare and strategy for deserving humans.
