Realms of Fantasy and Myth: Week 4 - Kitsune

Realms of Fantasy and Myth: Week 4 - Kitsune

Welcome to the fourth issue of a new weekly news article!  I hope you enjoy it, and please, show the featured artists some love and recognition through pageviews, 's and 's!
If you like this article, please show support by clicking the heart icon on the left to add it to your favorites.  Thanks!


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This week's creature feature is:  Kitsune.

The fox is a creature often included in myths, legends and folklore in many cultures, and perhaps none more than Japan.  In fact, there is no difference in the Japanese language between a common, forest-dwelling fox, and a magical one, as both are referred to as kitsune.  Kitsune seem to be mysterious and ever changing creatures.  They're mood can be mischievous, amorous, controlling, protective or benevolent, just as they're physical form can be changed between that of a fox, a human, or something in-between.

From Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitsune :

Kitsune is the Japanese word for fox. Foxes are a common subject of Japanese folklore; kitsune usually refers to them in this context. Stories depict them as intelligent beings and as possessing magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. Foremost among these is the ability to assume human form. While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others—as foxes in folklore often do—other stories portray them as faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives.
Foxes and human beings lived in close proximity in ancient Japan; this companionship gave rise to legends about the creatures. Kitsune have become closely associated with Inari, a Shinto kami or spirit, and serve as his messengers. This role has reinforced the fox's supernatural significance. The more tails a kitsune has—they may have as many as nine—the older, wiser, and more powerful it is.

Some "facts" about Kitsune:

• In Japan, kitsune references are easy to see, as there are many statues, masks and even shrines depicting or dedicated to them, such as in The Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto.
• Video games are full of kitsune, with a few examples being Vulpix and Ninetails from Pokemon, Tails from Sonic, the Keaton from Legend of Zelda and Crazy Redd from Animal Crossing.
• Kitsune and Tanuki are rivals in transformation powers, and in mischief (especially towards each other).
• Kitsune-tsuki is the term for being possessed or controlled by kitsune, and is considered a form of "madness".
• The element most often associated with kisune is fire.  Several legends speak of vengeful kitsune burning down people's houses, and some can breath fire.

Now, for the features!  Works are featured from various categories, in no particular order:





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Thank you so much for viewing, and come back next week for a different inhabitant of the Realms of Fantasy and Myth!


~Arah


Previous Issues:
Week 1 - news.deviantart.com/article/78…
Week 2 - news.deviantart.com/article/79…
Week 3 - news.deviantart.com/article/79…