KITSUNE
Today's Creatures
KOMAINU
KAPPA
wiki to discover Japanese mythical creatures
KITSUNE
KOMAINU
KAPPA
Kitsune is the Japanese word for fox. There are a lot of foxes in Japanese folklore. Stories depict them as intelligent beings and as having magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. The most important of their magic tricks is the ability to present in human form. While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others - as foxes in folklore often do - others portray them as faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives.
Komainu are creatures that look like lions and are often called lion-dogs in English. Pairs are found guarding shinto shrines. Sometimes they are at the entrance and other times they are inside the shrine. The first type is called sando komainu, 'entrance-road komainu' which was made during the Edo period. This type is usually placed at the entrance. The second type is called jinnai komainu, which is much older and is placed inside the shrine. Komainu can also be found at Buddhist temples, nobility residences or even private homes.
Kappa is the water spirit responsible for mischief. Kappa is said to be the size of a boy between 6 and 10 years old. He has the body of a turtle and an ape-like head. The most notable thing about his body is the hole in his head that holds the kappa's water-giving power. They are said to live off blood and suck the life out of people. They are known for innocent pranks such as stealing, but according to other sources, they eat children.
