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Tamamo-no-Mae

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Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: Tamamo-no-Gozen, Lady Kayō, Nine-Tailed Fox, Tamamo
Category: Fox

The Myth

Tamamo-no-Mae was a beautiful and extraordinarily intelligent woman who served as a courtesan at the court of Emperor Konoe. Her beauty and knowledge made her the emperor’s favourite, and she seemed capable of answering every question put to her. Yet beneath her elegant appearance lurked a powerful nine-tailed fox spirit whose true nature remained hidden. Through her supernatural influence, she caused the emperor to fall gravely ill, threatening the stability of the imperial court.

Unable to explain the emperor’s mysterious illness, the court summoned the astrologer Abe no Yasuchika. He eventually discovered that Tamamo-no-Mae was not human but a fox spirit using her beauty and intelligence to deceive the ruler. Once her identity was revealed, the emperor ordered warriors Kazusa-no-suke and Miura-no-suke to hunt her down. They pursued her to the plains of Nasu, where they finally killed the supernatural fox. However, her death did not end her power, and her vengeful spirit continued to haunt the land.

According to legend, Tamamo-no-Mae’s spirit entered a stone known as the Sesshō-seki, or Killing Stone. The stone released poisonous vapours that killed birds, animals, and anyone unfortunate enough to approach it. Eventually, the Buddhist monk Gennō Shinshō travelled to the stone and performed religious rites to free the spirit from its curse. He broke the stone apart and held a memorial service for Tamamo-no-Mae, allowing her repentant spirit to find peace. The legend of Tamamo-no-Mae also connects her to earlier incarnations in China and India, where she allegedly disguised herself as royal concubines and manipulated rulers, bringing terror and disorder to their kingdoms before fleeing to Japan.

Sources

“Tamamo-no-Mae.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 12, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamamo-no-Mae

Inari Ōkami

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Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: Ō-Inari, Inari, Inari Daimyōjin
Category: Fox, Deity

The Myth

Inari Ōkami is a powerful Japanese kami associated with rice, fertility, agriculture, tea, sake, industry, and prosperity. Often depicted as either a beautiful young woman or an elderly man carrying sheaves of rice, Inari can appear in different forms and is sometimes understood as a collective of several deities. Inari’s name is associated with the bearing and cultivation of rice, and the kami is closely connected with the abundance of the harvest and the success of human livelihoods. Inari is also revered as a protector of merchants, swordsmiths, and warriors, granting prosperity and worldly success to those who honor the deity.

According to one legend, Inari descended from heaven during an ancient famine that threatened Japan. Riding upon a white fox and carrying sheaves of grain, the kami brought nourishment to a land of swamps and waters. The grain Inari carried was said to be an ancient cereal that grew in marshy ground before rice cultivation became widespread. Another tale tells of a wealthy man named Hata no Irogu who used rice cakes as targets for archery practice. Angered by this disrespect toward a divine gift, the rice kami flew away in the form of a white bird and landed on a mountain. The man recognized his mistake and established a shrine at the place where the bird had settled. The bird then transformed into a growing rice plant, and the mountain became a sacred place of worship.

Inari’s most recognizable companions are the white kitsune, or fox spirits, who serve as divine messengers. Although Inari is often mistakenly imagined as a fox, the kami and the foxes are distinct beings. The foxes are associated with the protection of rice fields and the delivery of offerings, and people traditionally presented them with red rice and fried tofu. Inari is also connected with magical jewels, sacred scrolls, sheaves of rice, sickles, and swords. The deity’s worship spread throughout Japan, and Inari became a protector of temples, households, businesses, and craftsmen. Inari’s powers extend beyond agriculture, encompassing wealth, trade, food, and the general prosperity of those who seek the kami’s favour.

Sources

“Inari Ōkami.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 12, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inari_%C5%8Ckami

Sky Fox

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Tradition: Chinese Mythology
Alternative Names: Celestial Fox, Tian Hu (天狐), Thousand-Year Heavenly Fox, Tenko
Category: Fox

The Myth

The Sky Fox is an exceptionally powerful celestial fox spirit that emerges after a fox has cultivated its supernatural abilities for a thousand years and developed nine tails. Upon reaching this stage, its fur turns golden, and it ascends to the heavens, becoming a divine beast of extraordinary power. Its celestial transformation grants it the ability to see a thousand li into the distance, allowing it to perceive events far beyond the reach of ordinary creatures. The Sky Fox represents the highest stage of a fox spirit’s cultivation, possessing wisdom, magical abilities, and a place among the celestial beings.

Fox spirits develop their powers through several paths. Some gain wisdom by accidentally swallowing treasures from heaven and earth, while others cultivate their spiritual virtues in places rich in yin energy, drawing upon the essence of the moon. Some learn directly from Taoist monks and masters. Every hundred years, a fox faces a supernatural catastrophe; if it survives, it develops another tail. Many foxes perish or abandon their cultivation before reaching the later stages, making the nine-tailed Sky Fox exceptionally rare. Upon completing a thousand years of cultivation, the fox receives recognition from the Heavenly Court and attains immortal rank.

Despite their divine status, Sky Foxes do not always behave benevolently toward humans. Some descend into the mortal world and cause chaos, requiring Taoist priests to subdue them. Because of their celestial nature, they are generally spared execution and instead punished through beatings or exile. One such Sky Fox, Liu Cheng, was banished to the ancient Korean kingdom of Silla after causing disorder in China. The people of Silla eventually came to revere him as a deity. Another legend describes a Sky Fox possessing a heavenly book containing powerful magical techniques. Humans who attempt to steal this treasure often suffer disastrous consequences, although the Korean hero Jeon Woo-chi succeeds in taking the book and mastering its secrets.

The Sky Fox is also associated with Japanese and Korean traditions. In Japan, the celestial fox is linked to the highest ranks of kitsune, above other supernatural foxes such as kūko, kiko, and yako. Some traditions connect the celestial fox with the tengu, while others describe fox spirits as divine messengers of Inari Ōkami rather than the deity itself. In Korea, the nine-tailed fox known as the kumiho shares several characteristics with the Sky Fox, including golden fur, nine tails, and a heavenly book. These traditions portray the Sky Fox as a rare and formidable being whose supernatural cultivation allows it to cross the boundary between the mortal world and the heavens.

Sources

“Sky Fox (mythology).” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 12, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_Fox_(mythology)

Hồ Tinh

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Tradition: Vietnamese Mythology
Alternative Names: Hồ Ly Tinh, Nine-Tailed Fox, Chồn Tinh
Category: Fox

The Myth

Hồ Tinh is a powerful nine-tailed fox spirit that lived for more than a thousand years in a rocky mountain west of the ancient citadel of Thăng Long, now Hanoi. The creature possessed extraordinary shapeshifting abilities, allowing it to transform into countless different forms, including a beautiful woman, a handsome man, or a terrifying demon. In its human disguises, it mingled with ordinary people and concealed its true nature while preparing to capture its victims.

The fox spirit frequently appeared as a beautiful woman or a handsome young man, using its appearance and charm to lure unsuspecting people into a deep cave beneath the mountain. Sometimes it disguised itself as a demon to frighten people into submission. Once its victims entered the cave, the fox seized them and gradually devoured them. It terrorized the surrounding countryside, causing great suffering among the inhabitants, who were unable to protect themselves against its supernatural powers.

Eventually, Lạc Long Quân, the powerful dragon lord, intervened to end the creature’s reign of terror. He commanded the forces of the Water Palace to raise the waters and flood the fox’s mountain lair. The nine-tailed fox attempted to escape, but the pursuing forces chased it into the flooded cave, destroyed its den, and killed it. The deep pool left behind became known as Xác Cáo, meaning Fox Corpses, and was identified with present-day West Lake in Hanoi. A temple was subsequently established to suppress the evil spirit, while the surrounding land became associated with the fox’s former dwelling.

Sources

Nguyễn Hữu Vinh and Trần Đình Hoành. Lĩnh Nam Chích Quái Bình Giải. 2010. https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/lnh-nam-chch-qui-bnh-gii/248595080

Gorozaemon Kitsune

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Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: Gorōzaemon, Gorozaemon of Funayama
Category: Fox

The Myth

Gorozaemon Kitsune is a powerful fox warrior associated with Funayama Inari Shrine and the foxes of Kogarashi Forest. Renowned for his strength and courage, he commands the respect of other fox spirits and is feared by hostile supernatural beings. His legend begins during a conflict between Yamahiko, the leader of the yokai of Abeyama, and Nomawari Kitsune, the leader of the foxes of Kogarashi Forest. After Yamahiko’s followers attack Nomawari’s foxes and are punished by the mighty Mikoshi Nyūdō, Yamahiko swears revenge and gathers the mountain yokai to assault the fox forest. The attackers become intoxicated after drinking sake that leaves them paralyzed, and Gorozaemon arrives with a host of fox warriors. He defeats the yokai one after another, forcing Yamahiko himself to flee in fear.

Following the victory, Nomawari Kitsune rewards the foxes who fought bravely. However, the battle devastates their territory, destroying the fence that once marked the boundary between the lands of two foxes, Yabukuguri and Konchiki. Their dispute over ownership escalates into a larger brawl among the foxes. The disagreement is eventually settled in Yabukuguri’s favour, but Gorozaemon later learns how the cleverness of a female nekomata helped determine the outcome. Konchiki had originally erected an Inari shrine pillar bearing his name, and Yabukuguri had wanted to replace the inscription with his own. Unable to write, Yabukuguri asked the nekomata for help. She deliberately restored Konchiki’s name, reasoning that this would make it appear that someone had attempted to falsify the inscription and direct suspicion toward Konchiki. Her plan succeeds, and Gorozaemon is impressed by her intelligence. The two become friends and frequently drink together.

Later, Gorozaemon encounters the nekomata being attacked by a group of unruly monsters near a ruined castle on Mount Koiwa. She had tried to reason with them, but when they could not answer her arguments, they resorted to violence. Gorozaemon attempts to mediate, but the monsters insult him as well. He responds by throwing them to the ground, overpowering them, and tying them up before rescuing the cat spirit. After hearing what happened, he recognizes that her argument had been justified and falls in love with her, eventually taking her as his concubine. The nekomata’s father, a thieving cat monster known as Homeless, serves under Yamahiko. Because his daughter has become involved with Yamahiko’s enemy, Homeless is branded a traitor and captured. Yamahiko threatens to torture both father and daughter unless she agrees to poison Gorozaemon and the other foxes with fried rat meat. She reluctantly agrees to save her father’s life. Meanwhile, Gorozaemon is appointed head of the attendants of Funayama Inari Shrine and receives gifts of gold, silver, and rice from the surrounding foxes. Unaware of the plot against him, he offers his New Year’s greetings as the tale ends, leaving the promised continuation of his adventures unresolved.

Sources

“東光 (Tōkō).” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1063271583.html

Sesshōseki

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Tradition: Japanese Mythology
Alternative Names: Killing Stone, Sesshoseki
Category: Fox

The Myth

The Sesshōseki, meaning “Killing Stone,” is a mysterious and poisonous stone found in the Nasu region of Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It is the transformed remains of Tamamo-no-Mae, a nine-tailed fox who disguised herself as a beautiful woman and gained the favour of Emperor Toba. When her true identity was discovered, the warriors Miura-no-suke and Kazusa-no-suke hunted her down and killed her. Yet the fox’s death did not end her evil influence. Her vengeful spirit transformed her remains into a deadly stone that emitted poison and killed birds and animals that approached it.

According to legend, the spirit of Tamamo-no-Mae continued to seek revenge against the descendants of those who had destroyed her. In 1390, Tsunoda Tsunatoshi, a descendant of Miura-no-suke, was hunting in Nasu when a beautiful woman appeared before him. When he took her hand, she transformed into a demon, seized him, and attempted to carry him into the sky. Tsunatoshi fought back with his sword and managed to escape. News of the encounter reached Ashikaga Ujimitsu, who requested Buddhist monks to subdue the dangerous spirit. One monk, Daitetsu, travelled into the mountains and discovered the enormous Killing Stone, which measured approximately seven feet long. The stone began to sweat when he approached it and sank into the ground when he touched it. Recognizing that the spirit had responded to Buddhist teachings, Daitetsu returned home.

The final destruction of the Sesshōseki came when the monk Genno travelled to Nasu after receiving a spiritual dream. He performed Buddhist rites to release Tamamo-no-Mae from her curse, then smashed the stone with his staff. The fox spirit emerged from the shattered rock, but Genno struck it down and brought its supernatural terror to an end. Tamamo-no-Mae was subsequently mourned and enshrined as Shinohara Inari Daimyōjin. According to another tradition, fragments of the shattered stone scattered across Japan, giving rise to further legends of Killing Stones in distant regions. The Sesshōseki remains a symbol of the dangerous supernatural power that endured even after the death of the legendary nine-tailed fox.

Sources

“殺生石 (Sesshōseki).” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1010654430.html

Hu Meiniang

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Tradition: Chinese Mythology
Alternative Names: Hu Meiniang, Hu Mei Niang
Category: Fox

The Myth

Hu Meiniang is a powerful fox spirit who can transform herself into a beautiful woman. She is described as an ancient fox demon with a thousand years of cultivation, originally known as the old fox spirit of the northern gate of Xinzheng. Through her supernatural abilities, she assumes a human appearance and becomes involved in the legendary tale of the White Snake.

In one account, Hu Meiniang approaches Xu Xian and warns him that a demon has impersonated her. She urges him to report the supposed impostor and cautions him not to trust the figure claiming to be Bai Suzhen. Xu Xian believes Hu Meiniang’s explanation and goes to confront Bai Suzhen. However, Hu Meiniang’s deception eventually comes to an end when she is struck by thunder and lightning. She dies in a marketplace, and her human body transforms into the corpse of a fox, revealing her true nature.

Hu Meiniang also appears as the central character of The Tale of Hu Meiniang, a separate story included in the collection Jiandeng Yuhua. Her appearances in these tales portray her as a fox spirit whose beautiful human disguise conceals her supernatural identity.

Sources

“胡媚娘 (Hú Mèiniáng).” Chinese Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 12, 2026. https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%83%A1%E5%AA%9A%E5%A8%98

Tōkō

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Tradition: Japanese Mythology, Chinese Mythology
Alternative Names: Tenghuang, Chenghuang, Feihuang, Guhuang, Cuihuang
Category: Fox

The Myth

Tōkō is a rare mythical beast resembling a fox, with flames surrounding its shoulders, two horns growing from its back, and a long tail. According to legend, it has existed in Japan since the age of the gods, surviving for two thousand years before travelling to Tang China. Its unusual appearance combines the form of a fox with fiery features and hornlike protrusions, distinguishing it from ordinary animals and marking it as a creature of extraordinary power.

In China, Tōkō became the mount of the Yellow Emperor, who rode upon its back while travelling throughout the land. During these journeys, the emperor taught people how to ride horses for the first time. One tradition suggests that the famous account of the Yellow Emperor travelling across the world on an eight-winged dragon actually describes Tōkō. The beast was therefore associated with imperial journeys, ancient wisdom, and the spread of knowledge among humanity.

Tōkō is connected with other mythical beasts described in Chinese traditions, including Chenghuang, a foxlike creature with horns on its back. According to legend, riding Chenghuang grants a lifespan of two thousand years. Other creatures, known as Feihuang, Guhuang, and Cuihuang, have also been associated with Tōkō because of their similar supernatural characteristics. Tōkō’s image was even included among the mythical beasts embroidered on ceremonial decorations displayed beneath the eaves of the Japanese imperial palace when the emperor ascended the throne.

Sources

“東光 (Tōkō).” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1063271583.html

Huan

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Tradition: Chinese Mythology
Alternative Names: 狡 (Jiǎo)
Category: Cat

The Myth

The Huan is a strange mythical wildcat described in the Classic of Mountains and Seas. It has a single eye and three tails, giving it an unusual appearance unlike that of an ordinary feline. Its body resembles a wildcat, and its peculiar features distinguish it from other supernatural beasts.

The Huan inhabits the region of Mount Zhangwei, near the waters of the Western Sea. It is capable of producing many different kinds of sounds, despite its strange feline form. Its fur and unusual body are associated with a remarkable protective property: wearing its skin is said to protect a person against evil forces and cure jaundice. This makes the Huan not only an extraordinary creature but also a source of supernatural protection.

Sources

“Khuan.” New Bestiary (Bestiary.us). Accessed October 12, 2026. https://www.bestiary.us/khuan/en

Gumiho

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Tradition: Korean Mythology
Alternative Names: Kumiho, Kumiyŏu, Nine-Tailed Fox, Yeou, Bulyeou, Baegyeou, Maegu, Hogwi
Category: Fox

The Myth

The Gumiho is a supernatural fox from Korean mythology, most famously known for its nine tails and its ability to assume human form. It is often portrayed as a beautiful woman or, in some stories, a Buddhist monk, concealing its true nature behind a convincing disguise. Although the Gumiho is commonly depicted as sly, deceptive, and dangerous, not every fox spirit is evil. Some accounts describe foxes that help humans or act as supernatural guardians of the mountains. Korean mythology also includes other fox spirits, such as the Bulyeou, or fire fox; the Baegyeou, or white fox; the Maegu, or fox demon; and the Hogwi, or fox ghost.

Gumiho are frequently portrayed as threatening beings that deceive people and disturb the natural and divine order. In some tales, they oppose dragons, which are revered as sacred creatures that protect the kingdom. While dragons represent divine protection and stability, fox spirits may bring disorder, misfortune, and even the downfall of a kingdom. Certain legends describe foxes defeating multiple dragons, demonstrating that these creatures possess supernatural powers formidable enough to challenge even mighty divine beings. Despite their dangerous reputation, their extraordinary abilities make them more than ordinary animals, and some traditions portray them as beings with powers comparable to those of dragons.

Fox spirits are also associated with mountain passes and other places believed to be haunted by supernatural creatures. Mountain crossings known as yeougogae, meaning fox pass, are often connected with tales of mysterious foxes and strange encounters. The Gumiho’s reputation extends into everyday language, where the word can describe a sly or cunning person, particularly a woman. Its image therefore combines supernatural danger, deceptive beauty, and extraordinary magical power, making the nine-tailed fox one of the most recognizable creatures in Korean mythology.

Sources

“Gumiho.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 12, 2026. Section: “Korean Fox Spirit Tales by Period.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gumiho#Korean_Fox_Spirit_Tales_by_Period