the timboucher experience

You know what I always really liked? Japanese mythological beings called Tengu. They are these sort of crow men that live in the forest, and might teach you fencing, or they might play tricks on you and shit. They rule:

“The Tengu has evolved in both appearance and purpose over the centuries. Originally portrayed as an evil crow-like creature with a man’s body, a beaked face, a small compact head, feathered wings, and heavy claws, the Tengu has since evolved into a protective bird-like man-goblin with an uncommonly long nose, wearing a small monk hat, and oft-times sporting a red face. Patrons of the martial arts, Tengu are credited with exraordinary skills in sword fighting and weapon smithing. They sometimes serve as mentors in the art of war and strategy to humans they find worthy. Tengu live in colonies under the leadership of a single Tengu, who is served by messenger Tengu (usually Karasu). More mischievous than evil, the Tengu are hatched from eggs like birds.”

This site has a bunch of really good photos of tengu statues also:

• Oh, but see, I really CAN go for that…!