Mythical Creatures: Tengu (Japan) By Derek Anderson, Joel Anderson, 2022


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Tengu, spelled in Japanese as: ‘天狗,’ means ‘Heavenly Sentinel.’ These seemingly supernatural beings are winged Japanese mountain and forest ‘yōkai.’ Yōkai are a special class of supernatural entities in Japanese folklore who sometimes take on a divine role as messengers. The tengu’s supernatural powers include the ability to shape-shift into human or animal forms. The creature can speak to humans without moving its mouth, it can also move instantly from place to place without using its wings, and it has the magical ability to appear uninvited in the dreams of the living. The tengu are also known for their skill in martial arts and other forms of ancient Japanese combat. Inspired by the legends of mysterious creatures and mythical monsters from around the world, Anderson Design Group poster artists hand-rendered a vintage-styled poster of this Japanese legend. This classic monster design is available as a poster print, canvas, metal sign, mini-canvas, or as a notecard or postcard. To learn more about the history and stories of the Tengu, check out the website Tofugu.

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