Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: Fox Spirit, Byakko (White Fox), Osaki, Kuda-gitsune, Kiko
Category: Fox
The Myth
Kitsune are intelligent supernatural foxes possessing magical powers that grow stronger as they grow older. They can transform their bodies and appearances, often taking the form of beautiful women or other human beings. In these disguises, they may deceive travellers, bewitch people, and lead them astray, particularly in mountains after dark. Their tricks range from making people lose their way to convincing unsuspecting victims to bathe in manure pits, eat horse dung disguised as food, or accept leaves that appear to be money. Some kitsune are mischievous tricksters, while others are benevolent spirits who protect people or serve as divine messengers.
Fox spirits possess a variety of supernatural abilities, including the power to create magical fox-fire known as kitsunebi. Some carry a precious jewel called a tama, which may be connected to their transformations and magical powers. White foxes, known as byakko, are especially associated with traditional depictions of these spirits. Kitsune are closely connected with Inari, a Shinto deity whose messengers they serve, and foxes also appear in Buddhist traditions as the mount of the divine being Dakini. Despite their supernatural abilities, kitsune can be unpredictable, and their presence may bring either good fortune or misfortune.
Some kitsune take human spouses and live among people, giving rise to tales of the fox wife. The legendary fox spirit Kuzunoha, for example, took human form and gave birth to Abe no Seimei, who became a famous astrologer and magician. Other fox spirits are far more dangerous. Tamamo-no-mae, a beautiful woman who was secretly a nine-tailed fox, concealed her true nature behind a human appearance. Kitsune can also possess people, a phenomenon known as kitsunetsuki, sometimes causing confusion and strange behaviour. Yet not every possessing fox is malicious: some become protective guardian spirits, while others must be driven out through spiritual rituals. Their nature therefore ranges from benevolent divine servants and devoted companions to deceptive wanderers and dangerous supernatural beings.
Sources
“Kitsune.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 12, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitsune