Tengu: The Bird Demon that became a God | Japanese Mythology Explained | Japanese Folklore | ASMR

the tangu a mix between a human bird demon and a god stands out in Japanese folklore as a creature of chaos awe and benevolence deep in the heart of Japan's Lush forests and a top its towering mountains a mysterious figure watches over the ancient landscapes cloaked in Legend and shrouded in mystery the tangu has captivated the imaginations of many standing at the crossroads of fear and reverence in Japanese folklore once feared as demons they later transformed into protectors and Guardians and sometimes even tricksters but who are the tangu and how did they transform from malevolent spirits to the revered creatures of Japanese mythology that's what we're here to find out this is the story of the tangu imagine ancient Japan a land vibrant with untold stories where nature itself was alive with Spirits it was in this mystical setting that the tangu were born not from Mere chance but from the deep roots of folklore tangu are considered both a Yokai and a god depending on the context they are believed to have originated from the Chinese myth of the tangu or Heavenly dog a malevolent Starbound canine creature known for its warlike descent to Earth as it soared through the sky it was said to make a sound that resembled Thunder and brought War to the land the tenu early depictions diverge significantly from its later evolution in Japan the first mention of tangu in Japanese texts appears in the nion Shoki however its identity as a harbinger of chaos soon diverged blending with local spirits and tals evolving Beyond its Sinister Origins the image of the tangu as it is known to today emerges from a blend between native Japanese beliefs and influences from Chinese folklore notably the tangu and the fox Spirits Huli Jing which were the inspiration behind the kitsun cultural and real world influences aside the origins of the tangu As Told in the myths stems from the goddess amonoo she was the daughter of susano the god of Storms and sea amoako is a fierce goddess whose depiction shares notable traits with the tangu flight ferocity the head of a beast a long nose long ears and long teeth that can chew through swords these shared traits along with her name meaning tenuk Kami suggests that she was the true predecessor of the tangu in Japanese folklore however over time the tangu transcended its foreoing Beginnings becoming revered as Protectors of Nature and esoteric knowledge imagine a creature that embodies The Mystery of the wild with the grace of a bird and the stature of a human this is the tangu a being whose appearance has captivated the imagination for centuries initially feared for their bird-like demon form the Tango's image softened over time evolving into a more complex symbol of their dual nature with bodies resembling humans and features that Echo the birds of the sky the T stand as a bridge between Heaven and Earth their sharp elongated noses or beaks are not just peculiar they are marks of their otherworldly nature their expansive feathered wings are not merely for show they are the Tango's passport between the Realms slicing through the Mists that shroud the mountaintops these Aven features symbolize the Tango's role as intermediaries they are the connection between the spiritual and the Mortal a reminder of the balance that exists between the the two Realms the evolution of their image from fearsome to protective mirrors the changing relationship between humans and the supernatural highlighting a journey from Fear to reverence the tenu mysterious figures of Japanese mythology serve as both Guardians and Challengers within the natural and spiritual Realms they are the Unseen force that protects the Deep forests and rugged mountains of Japan but also as the wise teachers who confront arrogance and pride their role is a dance between protection and Punishment guiding those who respect the balance of nature while ens snaring those who dare to disrupt it they are Guardians who guide lost Travelers back to safety using their deep knowledge of the woods and mountains but they are also the cunning tricksters who trap the boastful and the Wicked the tangu with their unpredictable nature embody the very essence of the wind Ever Changing shifting from guardianship to mischief and from guidance to punishment their interactions with humans are as varied as their personalities sometimes they appear as teachers imparting lessons of wisdom at other times they play the role of adversaries challenging humans to reflect on their actions and the consequences thereof their behavior is a reflection of the complexity of their character one moment they might guide a lost traveler through the dense forests the next moment they could be playing tricks on a warrior leading him on a wild Chase through through the mountains only to teach him a lesson in humility the Tango's purpose extends Beyond mere protection or punishment they are Educators in the broadest sense the Tango's actions are often aimed at correcting human Folly they are the force that nudges humans towards a greater respect for the natural world and each other through their unpredictable Behavior they remind us of the importance of balance between strength and wisdom courage and humility action and reflection within the ranks of the tangu there is a clear distinction that mirrors the complexity of their nature they are often separated into two groups the dangu and the kenu also known as karasu tenu the dienu are the great demons Majestic and wise often depicted with an air of nobility that commands respect these are the spiritual mentors live solitary lives on remote mountaintops far removed from Humanity their lives are spent in thoughtful meditation intent on perfecting themselves they are the ones who impart invaluable knowledge and guidance to those they see as worthy their presence is a blessing a rare opportunity for enlightenment and spiritual growth though they may be benevolent they are said to be particularly dangerous when angry in fact natural disasters and other great catastrophes are sometimes attributed to the wrath of a powerful dangu fortunately the dangu possess self-restraint and even Aid humans that they deem worthy these highly venerated deities are very large and have a humanoid appearance with a long nose red face and wings reminding us of their Aven Origins the longer their nose the more powerful they are their main function is to rule the mountains as a guardian and sometimes even a god they are able to fly control the wind and generate natural disasters as experts in the art of combat they m the sword like no other sometimes they kidnap men who Venture in the forests as a punishment or to teach them magic these powerful tenu would also have the power to enlarge the nose of humans dangu became closely connected with the aesthetic Mountain religion of shugendo the mountain Mystics grew close to the tangu seeking their wisdom and worshiping them as Divine beings It is believed that this religion is what eventually earned the respect of the tangu brave men from across the land ventured into the unknown Wilds in hopes of gaining some of the Tango's wisdom occasionally tangu would teach secrets and impart magical knowledge to the worthiest of these men one of Japan's most famous Warriors minamoto No yoshitsune is said to have learned swordsmanship from the tangu King sojobo more on that later on the other hand the kenu or small demons embody the more playful and mischievous side of the kenu kenu resemble large birds of prey with humanlike characteristics they often wear the Robes of the athetic and mystical Hermits called yamabushi and sometimes carry fine weapons or other items stolen from Human homes or temples kenu behave like Savage monsters they live solitary lives but on rare occasions band together or with other yo-kai to accomplish their goals when angered they throw tantrums and go on destructive of Rampages taking out their anger on anything near them kenu have little respect for humans they Feast on human flesh and commit all manners of horrific crimes such as torture and murder some of their favorite games are abducting people to drop them from Great Heights deep into the woods or tying children to the tops of trees so all can hear their screams but none can reach them kenu are said to even kidnap people and force them to eat feces until they go mad they especially Revel in sacrilege tormenting monks and nuns and robbing temples Keno's greatest weakness is overconfidence the kangu have been known to be duped into trading powerful magical items or giving up valuable information in exchange for worthless trinkets foolish kangu overestimate their own intelligence when trying to trick humans and end up being tricked themselves these beings Revel in causing Petty disturbances using their cunning to lead the arrogant and the prideful astray the kenu are reminders that arrogance can blind even the strongest of Warriors or the most devout monks leading them into Folly this division between the dangu and the kenu highlights the Tango's dual nature they are both the lofty mentors and the playful tricksters embodying the balance between the serious and the light-hearted the spiritual and the Earthly through their actions whether guiding or misleading the tangu play a vital role in the moral and spiritual education of humans teaching lessons that resonate with the core values of Japanese Society the tangu are not only seen as mysterious figures in folklore but also hold a place of honor in the world of martial arts they are celebrated not merely for their combat skills but as unparalleled masters of various martial arts disciplines Legends of Samurai and monks who driven by a quest for greatness ventured into the remote Mountain Mountain seeking the wisdom of the tangu these Tales are not just stories of Adventure but of a deep spiritual journey where only the most deserving those with pure hearts and Noble intentions were deemed worthy of the tengu's teachings the dedication of these Warriors climbing rugged Peaks and traversing dense forests all for a chance to learn from these mythical beings was inspiring the tangu with their exceptional skills and profound knowledge were said to possess techniques beyond the realm of human capability techniques that could turn the tide of battle or deepen one's connection to the spiritual World these stories continue to inspire martial artists today symbolizing not just the pursuit of physical Excellence but also the spiritual growth that comes from discipline humility and the endless quest for knowledge the tangu were also endowed with other abilities that underscored their dominion over both the natural and spiritual Realms as Master Swordsmen their skills were unmatched a testament to their centuries of practice and Perfection their skill in combat is but one aspect of their power they are also capable of flight a symbol of their freedom and connection to the heavens beyond the physical they possess the ability to shapeshift reflecting their Mastery over the material and the Ethereal their knowledge of magic and spells is unparalleled granting them insights into Realms beyond the comprehension of mere mortals and controlling the weather creating gusts of wind and even storms however the strength of the tangu is not without its vulnerabilities their pride as mentioned before can be a point of weakness making them susceptible to the schemes of the cunning furthermore the dango's adherence to a strict moral code while Noble can be exploited by those who understand how to to navigate these ethical boundaries this balance of power and vulnerability makes the tenu fascinating figures it is not just about the might one possesses but also about understanding and acknowledging one's weaknesses through their stories the tangu offer lessons that transcend time and culture teaching us that true Mastery comes from a balance of power and humility skill and wisdom myths and legends about tangu often involve various other characters nevertheless the Tango's impact in these Tales play a crucial role in the lesson and climax of the story let us go through a few stories involving the tangu minamoto no yoshitsune and the tangu the story of sojobo and minamoto no yoshitsune is one of the most beloved tales in Japanese folklore intertwining the Destinies of a legendary Warrior and a masterful tangu The Story begins with minamoto no yoshitsune who was born into the minamoto clan a prominent family that played a central role in Japan's history however his early life was marked by turmoil and tragedy following the Tyra Clan's victory over the MiniMoto Clan and the death of the MiniMoto family in the Hai Rebellion Yoshi tsune and his mother fled the capital in order to survive when yoshitsune turned 10 he was placed in the care of the monks at kurum Temple nestled in the mountains north of Kyoto it was here amidst the Serene Beauty and ancient Mysteries of the mountains that yoshitsune's path would cross with that of the tangu sojobo sojobo was not an ordinary tangu but the king of these mystical beings known for his profound wisdom and unparalleled skills in martial arts Yoshi tsune even as a young boy showed an innate talent for the martial arts and a deep desire to master the sword his dedication and Pure Heart caught the attention of sojobo who saw in yoshitsune the potential for greatness the tangu king decided to take yoshitsune under his wing teaching him the secrets of swordsmanship tactics and the martial arts that no human Master could impart under sojo's tutelage yoshitsune underwent rigorous training pushing his limits both physically and spiritually the training was not merely about m mastering the sword but also about understanding the flow of nature the balance of the spiritual and the Earthly and the essence of true strength sojo's lessons were demanding requiring yoshitsune to harmonize his mind body and spirit yoshitsune emerged from his training as a warrior of unparalleled skill his techniques and strategies surpassing those of any contemporary Samurai his abilities were not just a testament to his talent but also to the Mystic iCal training he received from sojobo yoshitsune's Legacy is not merely one of Marshall prowess but also of the deep bond he shared with the tangu King a relationship that transcended the boundaries between the human and the supernatural tuno kakuro the tangu magic cloak the Tango's magic cloak is a light-hearted story from Japanese folklore that combines elements of magic trickery and the unexpected consequences of one's Desires in a small village in Japan there lived a young boy known for his cleverness and curiosity one day while wandering near the edge of the forest he stumbled Upon A peculiar piece of bamboo peering through it as if it was a telescope he pretended to see distant lands and Adventures Beyond anyone's imagination his playful innocence and Imagination caught the attention of a tangu the tangu intrigued by the boy pretend play approached him with a proposal mistaking the bamboo for something of Great Value the tangu offered the boy a trade his magical straw cloak known as the kakur ramino in exchange for the bamboo the cloak had the power to make its wearer invisible a treasure beyond measure for those who knew its true worth eager to explore the possibilities of such a magical item the boy agreed to the trade the tangu pleased with his new possession left the boy with the cloak laughing heartily as he disappeared into the sky little did the tangu know the True Value lay not in the bamboo but in the cloak he had so willingly traded away the boy quickly discovered the cloaks power with a simple drape over his shoulders he could vanish from sight a trick that filled his heart with excitement and Mischief he used the cloak to play pranks on the villagers delighting in the harmless chaos he could create while remaining unseen however the boy remembered The tengu's Parting words the cloak was a precious item not to be used frivolously heeding this advice the boy used the cloak sparingly ensuring that its magic remained a secret between him and the night sky tangu tonata Samurai the tale of tangu tonata Samurai is a captive ating story from Japanese folklore that illustrates the transformation of a samurai into a tangu reflecting themes of virtue transformation and the pursuit of a higher purpose Beyond mere mortal existence once in ancient Japan there lived a samurai of unparalleled skill and unwavering dedication to the way of the warrior his life was devoted to perfecting his martial arts serving his Lord with loyalty and upholding the highest standards of honor and discipl IPL this Samurai's name has been lost to history but his Legend lives on one day while on a solitary Journey Through the dense forest that blanketed the mountains the samurai encountered a group of tangu these mystical creatures known for their prowess in martial arts and deep connection to the spiritual realm were intrigued by the presence of such a disciplined and skilled warrior in their sacred domain recognizing his potential the tenu approached the Samurai with an offer that would forever change his Destiny they saw in him not just a warrior of exceptional skill but a soul with the capacity to transcend The Human Condition to embrace the profound wisdom and power of the tangu the tangu offered the samurai a chance to become one of them to forsake his human form and join their ranks as a guardian of the natural world and a bridge between the Earthly and the spiritual this was an honor beyond measure a calling that spoke to the deepest part of the Samurai Spirit after much reflection the samurai accepted their offer his decision was not made Lightly for it meant leaving behind his life as a human with all its duties and attachments but the call to serve a greater purpose to protect the balance of Nature and guide the spiritual growth of others was a path he felt drawn to with all his heart the tangu performed a sacred ritual and the samurai was transformed his body took on the characteristics of atenu with wings that allowed him to soar through the skies and a newfound connection to the spiritual forces of the world yet he retained his Warrior Spirit his skill in martial arts and his unwavering commitment to the path of honor and discipline as a Tengu the former Samurai served as a protector of the natural world a guide to those who sought to deepen their spiritual understanding and a guardian against those who would disrupt the harmony of nature his transformation was was a testament to the belief that true strength lies in the pursuit of wisdom the protection of the natural order and the cultivation of the spirit Takara NOA the story of Takara NOA meaning the precious G begins in a humble village where a poor mother and her son lived a life marked by hardship the mother frail and Ill rested in their modest home a place where laughter had once echoed they were poor with not a coin to spare for medicine in desperation the son sought help from his uncle Gonzo a man known more for his greed than his kindness I don't have any money for you or your mother Gonzo declared turning the boy away with empty hands and a heavy heart dejected the boy wandered home his path Laden with worry it was then that he encountered a tangu what troubles you young one the tangu inquired his voice echoing through the trees the boy shared his tale of sorrow and to his surprise the tangu bellowed with laughter before bestowing upon him a gift a pair of magical G enchanted with the promise of Fortune the G are a traditional Japanese Footwear that resembled sandals or flip-flops the tangu told the boy that the G were precious and that if he should fall while wearing them a gold coin called a Coban would appear however if he fell too much it would cause his body to shrink and warned the boy to use them wisely after that the tangu vanished into the wind with a final echoing laugh amazed the boy domed the G and tentatively took a fall true to the tangu word a coin materialized twice he fell and twice more gold appeared his heart swelled with hope yet he heeded the Tango's warning fearing the cost of greed with the gold secured he returned home a Beacon of Hope for his ailing mother word of the boy's Fortune reached Uncle Gonzo whose eyes gleamed with greed dismissing the boy's warnings he seized the G driven by visions of endless wealth behind closed doors Gonzo dawned the G and began his dance of folly falling repeatedly each drop heralding the sound of coins clattering to the floor curious the boy later visited only to find a room a wash in Gold but his uncle nowhere in sight amidst the golden sea he spotted the G and clinging to them a small bug without a thought he flung The Bug aside only to realize the grave truth his uncle consumed by greed had diminished to nothing more than an insect a result of his greed and avarice with the G and a newfound wealth the boy returned to his mother their lives forever changed as for Uncle Gonzo his legacy lived on in the Gonzo Mushi a bug named for a man whose greed had led him to a humiliating end festivals and prayers involving tangu are a fascinating aspect of Japanese culture reflecting the complex relationship between these mythical creatures and the people who rever them one of the most notable festivals dedicated to tangu is the yamabushi tangu Matsuri this Festival is celebrated in various parts of Japan particularly in areas with deep mountainous terrains where tangu are believed to reside the festival often involves parades featuring participants wearing tangu masks and costumes these masks with long noses and fierce expressions are iconic representations of tangu performances of traditional dances and music intended to honor the tangu and seek their blessings and rituals conducted by yamabushi which were Mountain Hermits who have a historical connection with tangu yamabushi practitioners often participate in the festivals performing rituals that involve prayers and offerings to the tangu these rituals are believed to bring protection good fortune and guidance from the tangu prayers to tangu are performed not only during festivals but also as part of individual or group spiritual practices especially by those involved in martial arts and Mountain aestheticism these prayers are aimed at seeking protection prayers are offered to tangu for protection against evil spirits and physical harm especially for those venturing into the mountains or practicing martial arts acquiring skills tenu are revered as masters of martial arts and strategy as such practitioners of martial arts may offer prayers to tangu to gain Mastery in their art and to embody the strength agility and wisdom that tangu possess and spiritual guidance tangu are also sought for their wisdom and guidance in spiritual matters prayers may be made for insight into complex problems guidance on spiritual Journeys and assistance in overcoming personal flaws such as arrogance and ignorance the interplay of festivals and prayers dedicated to tangu showcases a unique blend of religious belief folklore and cultural practice it reflects the reverence for nature the spiritual quest for self-improvement and the acknowledgement of the supernatural forces that inhabit the world the Legacy of the tangu is as enduring as the mountains they inhabit and as deep as the forests they Guard from their Origins as fear demons to their current status as revered protectors the tangu have traversed a vast journey within the heart of Japanese culture and belief this Evolution speaks volumes about the shifting perceptions of the natural and spiritual Realms reflecting a society that has grown to find Harmony and wisdom in what was once considered ominous today the tangu stand as Majestic Guardians of the threshold embodying the challenges and rewards that await those who dare to explore beyond the known they remind us of the intricate balance that governs all aspects of Life urging a respect for the delicate interplay between strength and humility the physical and the spiritual their stories celebrated through festivals and woven into the fabric of daily life continue to inspire teach and provoke thought bridging centuries of tradition with the living breath of the present through their enduring presence the tangu capture the essence of the Japanese Spirit its depth its reverence for nature and its quest for understanding the Unseen forces that shape our world in the tangu we find not just mythical beings but symbols of the Perpetual Journey towards balance wisdom and harmony with the world around us thank you all for watching all the way to the end I hope you enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed making it what did you think did I miss any details let me know in the comments below if this is your first time watching one of my videos then welcome to the channel I hope I earned a like and subscription in your eyes if not that's okay I'll keep making videos until I do earn it if you're a returning viewer thank you so much for your continued support I truly appreciate all the views likes subscriptions and kind words and messages without you Channel wouldn't be here today that's it for now I hope to see you all in the next [Music] one

Channel: Mythical Arcana

Views: 5,991

Keywords: mythology, mythology explained, mythology stories, mythology podcast, asmr, asmr stories, asmr stories for sleep, asmr sleep stories, Japanese Mythology Explained, Japanese Mythology Stories, Japanese Mythology, Japanese mythology, asmr mythology, Japanese Gods, mythical creatures, legendary creatures, yokai, japanese folklore, tengu, tengu yokai, tengu japanese mythology, tengu japanese folklore, tengu stories, the story of tengu, tengu demon, tengu explained, tengu story

Id: xkpaC20a9wA

Length: 29min 1sec (1741 seconds)

Published: Sat Feb 24 2024