TENGU
Tengu — mountain and forest spirits of Japanese mythology, whose name literally means “heavenly dogs.” Their earliest mention appears in the Nihon Shoki (8th century), where they were described as fiery beings descending from the heavens. Over the centuries, they evolved from ominous harbingers of chaos into complex figures — both dangerous and wise.
Among them, the most famous is Sōjōbō, the Great Tengu of Mount Kurama, known as the king of all tengu and the mystical mentor of Minamoto no Yoshitsune.
Appearance and Nature
Tengu are supernatural beings — half-human, half-bird — who dwell deep in the mountains and forests of Japan.
Their name literally means “heavenly dog,” but their form is closer to that of a hawk or crow crossed with a man.
In early depictions (Heian and Kamakura periods), tengu were shown as bird-like creatures with beaks, feathers, and wings, often carrying fans made of feathers called hauchiwa, which could summon windstorms or help them fly.
By the Edo period, their image evolved into the red-faced, long-nosed mountain ascetic, combining human arrogance with divine power. This form became the iconic Daitengu, or Great Tengu.
Their bodies are strong and wiry, clothed in robes resembling those of yamabushi — mountain monks devoted to spiritual discipline and austerity.
They often carry a sword, a staff, or a fan, and their faces show both human intelligence and demonic pride.
Among them are two main types:
-
Daitengu (Great Tengu) — tall, human-like beings with long noses and a regal, commanding presence.
-
Karasu Tengu (Crow Tengu) — smaller, with beak-like faces and wings, serving as messengers or attendants of the great ones.
They are tricksters, teachers, and punishers — a mirror of human ambition.
Symbolism
Tengu represent:
-
the conflict between spiritual discipline and pride,
-
the untamed forces of nature,
-
and the bridge between human and divine realms.
They are tricksters, teachers, and punishers — a mirror of human ambition.
In Buddhism, they are sometimes seen as fallen monks who strayed from the path through arrogance, but in Shinto and folk tradition they also appear as mountain gods or protectors.
Thus, tengu embody both danger and wisdom — a spirit that destroys illusion by forcing one to confront fear and pride.
Tengu in Tattoo Art
Iconic imagery: a fierce tengu with a red face and long nose, standing on a mountain peak or descending through swirling clouds; or Sōjōbō, the Great Tengu of Mount Kurama, teaching young Yoshitsune the secrets of swordsmanship. Other compositions feature the tengu in mid-flight, spreading wide black wings against a stormy sky, or perched on pine branches, watching the human world below.
Design elements: dynamic wind and cloud motifs, pine trees clinging to cliffs, mountain temples, and scattered maple leaves; the tengu’s fan (hauchiwa) and sword are traditional symbols of control over wind and skill in combat.
Placement: this motif works well both for smaller compositions — depicting the tengu itself or a tengu mask — and for large-scale projects such as full back pieces, sleeves, or chest works illustrating entire mythological scenes.
Image Disclaimer: All images of Japanese prints and artworks presented in this section are used for educational and illustrative purposes only.If any copyright holder believes an image has been used in error, please contact me for correction or removal.