Tradition: Chinese Mythology
Alternative Names: Fox Spirit, Huxian, Hushen, Husheng, Huwang, Huyao, Huzu, Jiuweihu, Nine-Tailed Fox
Category: Fox
The Myth
Huli Jing are supernatural fox spirits capable of transforming themselves into different shapes, most famously beautiful young women, but also men and other human forms. Their powers grow with age, and ancient fox spirits can become extraordinarily powerful beings. Some are benevolent and bring good fortune, while others are malicious, using sorcery, deception, possession, and enchantment to mislead people. The most powerful fox spirits may develop nine tails, golden fur, and celestial abilities, eventually ascending to heaven as immortal foxes. Nine-tailed foxes can appear as auspicious signs of peace, prosperity, and abundant descendants, but other tales portray them as dangerous man-eaters.
Fox spirits are said to gain the ability to assume human form as they grow older. A fifty-year-old fox can transform into a woman, while one a hundred years old may become a beautiful woman, a spirit medium, or an adult man. Such beings can perceive events taking place far away, bewilder people through supernatural powers, poison them with sorcery, or possess their bodies. After reaching a thousand years of age, a fox may ascend to heaven and become a celestial fox. One tale describes foxes attempting to transform by placing skulls upon their heads and worshipping the Big Dipper, trying different skulls until they find one that remains in place. Celestial foxes are described as golden and nine-tailed, serving in the Palace of the Sun and Moon and possessing powers that allow them to transcend the forces of yin and yang.
One of the most infamous Huli Jing was a nine-tailed fox spirit who possessed Daji, the wife of the tyrant king Di Xin. The spirit served the goddess Nüwa, who sought vengeance after the king offended her. Entering Daji’s body and driving out her soul, the fox spirit assumed her identity and became the king’s wife. Under the guise of the beautiful Daji, she encouraged the ruler’s cruelty and devised horrific tortures, including forcing righteous officials to embrace red-hot metal pillars. Her wickedness helped provoke rebellion against the Shang dynasty. Eventually, Jiang Ziya drove the fox spirit out of Daji’s body, and Nüwa condemned the spirit for her excessive cruelty.
Sources
“正木狐 (Masaki Kitsune).” 新版TYZ 妖怪図鑑 (New TYZ Yokai Encyclopedia). https://tyz-yokai.blog.jp/archives/1072119352.html