![]() ![]() When a kitsune has lived a thousand years they become a Tenko, or a heavenly fox, and ascend to heaven. Common numbers in folktales are one, five, seven, and nine, with nine being the most a fox could achieve. Incidentally, it also looks remarkably like the Pokmon called Ninetales, a Fire-type Pokmon with yellow fur and nine tails. They make a brief appearance in 'Shang-Chi' but seem much more benevolent than their man-devouring origins. Their tails are directly connected to how powerful they are. In the text, Huli Jing are described as shape-shifting spirits who eat men and have cries that sound like babies. Also the fact that the lng was associated with a river (a source of water) makes Shang-Chi's depiction of mythical Chinese creatures that much more authentic. The Fenghuang is an immortal bird that's often paired with the Chinese dragon as representing yin and yang to symbolize the balance in the universe. One other major difference between the kitsune and the huli jing is that for every one-hundred years the kitsune lives, they gain a tail. In contrast, there are the Yako, who are mischievous and malicious. The Inari are good foxes and messenger spirits of Inari Ōkami, god of fertility, agriculture and industry. But where the Chinese perception of fox spirits developed linearly as popular opinion changed across dynasties, the Japanese kitsune actually branched out and subdivided into many different types - a lot of regional variations, and two common categories. They are depicted as both good and evil, as tricksters and lovers, and with supernatural wisdom. In many respects, the Japanese kitsune is very similar to the Chinese huli jing. ![]()
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