Tengu

Tengu (pronounced /ˈtɛŋɡuː/, "TENG-goo"; Japanese: 天狗, [teŋɡɯ], meaning "Heavenly Dog") are legendary creatures in Shinto belief. They're classified as yōkai (supernatural beings) or Shinto kami (gods/spirits).

Originally conceived as taking the forms of birds of prey and a monkey deity, tengu were traditionally portrayed with human, monkey, and bird-like features. Many scholars consider Sarutahiko Ōkami the original model for Konoha-Tengu (the red-faced, long-nosed supernatural being), which has become the tengu's defining characteristic in popular culture. Sarutahiko is the Shinto monkey deity said to illuminate Heaven and Earth, with some theorists suggesting he was a sun god worshipped in the Ise region before Amaterasu gained prominence.

Buddhism initially portrayed tengu as disruptive demons and war harbingers. Over time, their image evolved into protective—though still dangerous—spirits of mountains and forests. Tengu are closely linked with Shugendō ascetic practices and typically appear dressed as yamabushi (mountain ascetics).