Glossary: tengu

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tengu (天狗)

lit. "Heavenly Dog"

Tengu are mythical creatures found in Japanese folklore and traditionally depicted with human, monkey and avian features. Though their shapes vary, typical characteristics include red faces, long noses, and wings. Beginning in the 13th century, tengu came to be associated with the mountain ascetics who practice Shugendou and are said to be protective spirits of the mountains and forests.