Karasu Tengu
For as long as human memory, the mist-shrouded peaks of Japan have been home to the Tengu, mountain goblins with an unusual sense of humor. While no one is sure where these creatures came from, it is believed they migrated across the cold seas from the Chinese mainland before the words of the Buddha reached Nippon.

Ancient Japanese writings describe the Tengu as malicious creatures who delight in causing mayhem. Accounts of Tengu spiriting away children, who would later be found wandering aimlessly in a disoriented state, are commonplace. Tengu were said to derive particular pleasure from tormenting the Buddhist priests who came to the mountains to study them. Their tricks included lighting fires in front of temples and leading the unfortunate holy men astray in isolated areas. Fond of meddling in human affairs, Tengu often interfered in political disputes. The great twelfth-century warrior, Yoshitsune, was reputed to have a Tengu teacher, who instructed him in martial arts and military tactics. These lessons enabled the famed warlord to win a decisive victory over his enemies. Tengu are said to be able to change form at will. They often appear as strange figures with long bizarre noses, and sometimes disguise themselves as priests or nuns, to fool those who encounter them.

Perhaps the most unusual of the many varieties of Tengu are the Karasu. Combining human and crow-like characteristics, Karasu are frequently seen carrying ring-tipped staffs known as shakujos. These tools provide their owners with protection against enchantments and are useful in exorcising demons. On a more down-to-earth level, shakujos can also be used in combat to tangle and snap spear blades. The Karasu Tengu are said to teach Samurai the art of the sword. The strangely shaped cap, or tokin, worn by the Karasu, doubles as a drinking cup. Tengu were fiercely protective of their territory and sternly punished those who entered areas under their control. Sometimes identified with the vengeful spirits of the dead, many chroniclers believed they could take possession of people and use them as mouthpieces. Over time, the peasants who lived in mountain villages learned to coexist with the Tengu. To this day, many still leave offerings of rice and bean paste outside their doors, to appease their supernatural neighbors.