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Chrissyissypoo19 — Kitsune by-nc-nd

#ball #creature #culture #demon #design #folklore #fox #illusion #japan #japanese #kanji #kitsune #kitsunebi #magic #mask #myth #shapeshifter #spirit #tale #trickster #white #fire
Published: 2015-03-05 06:51:45 +0000 UTC; Views: 1593; Favourites: 25; Downloads: 3
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Description Recently, I had been researching Japanese mythology, thanks to my good friend and sister . I was quite intrigued by all the different yōkai and oni but was immediately taken by the creature called a kitsune, literally the Japanese word for "fox." The reason I became interested was because of the unique stories and characteristics of these mythological beings. So I drew and designed my own kitsune for fun!

However, I need a name for this little guy!  I'll be searching for one, of course, but if any of you have suggestions, let me know.   I'd love to hear what you think his name could possibly be. 


Kitsune are typically known to be tricksters, some are good and some can be treacherous. 
Typical attributes of these beings are....
  • Shape-shifting....Kitsune are said to be able to transform at will into whatever they desire. However, the most prominent transformation is that of a human (usually a woman). These kitsune will sometimes use this ability to lead men astray and trick them for fun or sometimes malevolent reasons. However there are just as many romantic tales of such acts as well. For instance, one man came across a kitsune disguised as a beautiful woman. The both of them fell in love and ended up marrying and raising a happy family. However, one night the husband saw his wife transform into a fox. Devastated, the kitsune fled to the woods, afraid that he would not welcome her. But as she ran, he called out saying that he didn't care if she was a fox and he loved her anyway. Because of this, she faithfully returned to his side every night and slept in his arms. 
  • High Intelligence and Cunning...When a kitsune reaches the celestial level (9 Tails) they are said to posses the ultimate sight and knowledge of all things. However, those that are not celestial foxes, use their cunning to trick people or play pranks (usually on wealthy individuals or samurai). 
  • Kitsunebi (also known as "fox-fire")... Kitsune are said to breathe this fire or light their tails with it. There are stories of some kitsune who use their lighted tails to lure victims into forests, getting them lost, as a type of prank. In a way, they are similar to will 'o the wisps. 
  • Possession of humans...During a possession by a fox, the victim typically will be made to do embarrassing acts or behave in whatever manner the kitsune desires. This ability has also been referred to as an actual illness in Japan. 
  • Long lives...The number of tails dictates how old and how powerful the kitsune is. 9 being the most tails a fox can have. Once they reach 1,000 years, the kitsune will develop infinite wisdom, turn white, and become a celestial fox.
  • The White Ball...this small ball is usually seen carried by these creatures or on a person possesed by a fox. It does not glow, but it is suspected that the kitsune place some of their power within it. If one were to take the little ball, the fox has no choice but to do the person's bidding or offer a favor until it is given back. 
  •  Kitsune no yomeiri...This literally translates to "the foxes' wedding." These ceremonies are said to take place during a rain shower from a clear sky and are considered a good omen. However it is forbidden to witness or attend one, uninvited. 
  • Entering Dreams...It is said that some kitsune have the ability to enter and manipulate the dreams of humans. 
  • Powers of Illusion...One of a kitsune's greatest and most noted ability is the power of illusion or creating illusion. They do this to play tricks, defend themselves, terrorize humans, or to increase their strength. However it is said that if a holy man with great faith (i.e. Clerics, Priests, Monks) cannot see such illusions or be bothered by them, and if one of these humans were to touch them, the illusion would dissolve. 



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Comments: 4

VicodinFlavoredMints [2015-03-06 03:34:09 +0000 UTC]

Very cool! ^^

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StriatonTrioFan7 [2015-03-06 02:11:37 +0000 UTC]

Aw man this looks so cool! I love the shading and coloring <3 
As for a name? I think a name that gives you a "trouble maker" vibe might work well, seeing as their cunning and such. Hope this helped???  

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SereneDash [2015-03-05 15:28:50 +0000 UTC]

It's so cute!

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DCJBeers [2015-03-05 07:12:06 +0000 UTC]

Imaginative and nicely done! 

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