Japanese-English Photo Glossary Index

tengu Listen to the Japanese term!

link to larger picture
Tengu at Daisho-in, Miyajima
Photo by Linda Freeman, July 14, 2003

long-nosed goblin

A tengu's most conspicuous feature is its long nose, but it also has wings and claws instead of fingernails. Like the fox, tengu can change their appearance and trick people. These imaginary creatures live in the mountains and forests and are ruled by King Sojobo.

Symbols of Japan: Thematic Motifs in Art and Design
Merrily Baird

Photo Glossary ~ Japanese-English Photo Glossary Index