Kitsune

In folklore, a Kitsune is a type of yokai, that is, a demon.
In this context, the word Kitsune is often translated as "fox spirit".
But this doesn't necessarily mean that they are not living beings or that they are anything other than foxes.

The word "spirit" in this case is used in the Eastern sense, reflecting the state of knowledge or insight.
Any fox that has lived long enough can thus become a "fox spirit".
There are two main types of Kitsune: the myobu, or divine fox, often associated with Inari, and the nogitsune, or wild fox (literally "field fox"), often, but not always, described as evil, having malicious intent.

A Kitsune can have up to nine tails.
In general, it is believed that the older and stronger the fox, the more tails it has.
Some sources even state that the Kitsune grows an extra tail every hundred or thousand years of its life.
The foxes seen in fairy tales almost always have one, five, or nine tails.

• Zenko (善狐, good foxes): These are benevolent kitsune that serve Inari and help humans.
  They are often white or golden in color, and have a calm and noble demeanor.
  Zenko can grant blessings, heal diseases, and protect crops and people from evil.

• Yako (野狐, field foxes): These are wild and cunning kitsune that live in the forests and mountains.
  They are usually red or brown in color, and have a playful and curious personality.
  Yako like to prank and tease humans, sometimes causing harm or stealing food and valuables.
  They can also possess people or animals, and create illusions or nightmares.

• Nogitsune (野狐, wild foxes): These are malevolent kitsune that have no allegiance to Inari or any other god.
  These creatures are often black or dark gray in color, and have a cruel and arrogant attitude.
  Nogitsune enjoy causing chaos, destruction, and suffering to humans and other beings.
  They can manipulate fire, lightning, and shadows, and create curses or disasters.

• Kuko (空狐, air foxes): These are mysterious and powerful kitsune that have mastered the element of air.
  They are often silver or blue in color, and have a serene and wise personality.
  These foxes can fly, control the weather, and communicate with spirits and other realms.
  Kuko are rarely seen by humans, and prefer to live in high places or hidden locations.

• Tenko (天狐, celestial foxes): These are the most ancient and revered kitsune that have ascended to the heavens.
  Tenko are often white or gold in color, and have a divine and majestic presence.
  They can create miracles, grant wishes, and bestow knowledge and enlightenment.
  These foxes are the closest to Inari, and sometimes act as his messengers or representatives.

Kitsune are not strictly evil or good, but rather have different personalities and alignments depending on their type and origin.
In Japanese folklore, kitsune are foxes that have supernatural abilities, such as shapeshifting, creating illusions, and controlling fire.
Some kitsune are loyal servants of the god Inari, who is associated with rice, fertility, and prosperity.
These kitsune are benevolent and helpful to humans who worship Inari.
Other kitsune are tricksters who enjoy playing pranks on humans or seducing them.
These kitsune can be mischievous, malicious, or even deadly, depending on their mood and motive.

Kitsune are also found in other cultures and media, such as China, Korea, and various fantasy novels and games.
These kitsune may have different names, appearances, and powers, but they usually share some common traits with the Japanese ones.
For example, they often have multiple tails that indicate their age and wisdom, and they can transform into human or hybrid forms.
Some of these kitsune are good allies or friends of the main characters, while others are enemies or rivals.

Therefore, kitsune are not a monolithic group of creatures that can be classified as evil or good.
They are diverse and complex beings that have their own personalities, goals, and morals.
They can be friendly or hostile to humans depending on the situation and their own nature.
Kitsune are fascinating and mysterious creatures that have captivated the imagination of many people for centuries.

In Japanese folklore, Kitsunes, or mythical foxes, are often depicted with different eye colors.

Commonly, they are shown with red or golden-yellow eyes, especially in their more supernatural forms.

These colors are thought to represent their magical nature and otherworldly abilities.

In some stories, the color of a Kitsune's eyes might change with its age or power level, turning gold or red as they grow older and wiser.

However, depictions vary widely, and there is no single color that is universally agreed upon.

Kitsunes are foxes of legend
That can change their shape and blend
With humans or other creatures
They have many different features

Some kitsunes are red as fire
They burn with passion and desire
They can be friendly or hostile
Depending on their mood and style

Some kitsunes are white as snow
They bring good luck wherever they go
They serve the god Inari well
And ward off evil with their spell

Some kitsunes are golden bright
They have nine tails and heavenly might
They are the wisest of their kind
And have a vast and ancient mind

Kitsunes have many colors, you see
They reflect their personality
They are the foxes of fantasy
And they inspire poetry

"Kitsune" is the Japanese word for fox.

In Japanese folklore, kitsunes are intelligent beings and possess magical abilities.

The more tails a kitsune has—they may have as many as nine—the older, wiser, and more powerful it is.

According to the tales, kitsunes can shape-shift into human form, and they often use this ability to trick others, similar to the mischievous foxes in Western folklore.

However, they can also be benevolent guardians, friends, lovers, and wives.