Tengu | Tattoo Meanings

Tengu are fantastic creatures from Japanese folklore that inhabit forests and mountains, whose legends have traces of both Buddhist and Shinto religion. Although the most striking physical feature is their long noses, most also have beards, and some have bird heads (considered to be great martial artists). In Chinese culture, the Tengu is a dogwhile in Japanese culture, Tengu appears as having characteristics of crow.

They were believed to possess various supernatural powers, among them the ability to shape-shift, ventriloquism, teleportation, telekinesis, and the unique ability to penetrate the dreams of mortals.

He is a skilled warrior and his main amusement is to cause mayhem. As it could not stand arrogance and vanity, it is said that they liked to play tricks on Buddhist priests who displayed the sin of pride, on authorities who used their power or wisdom to acquire fame, and on samurai who became arrogant.

In tattoos, the tengu can represent virtues such as courage, honor, duty, loyalty, and also being on guard against personal vices and weaknesses. Its image also represents good luck and protection against evil spirits.