The Tengu is a mountain spirit formed through the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism, depicted with a red face, a long nose (or bird’s beak), and wings. It is said to dwell deep in the mountains and to master swordsmanship and esoteric arts.
The Tengu’s signature is its ambiguous standing between mountain god and demon. At times a protector who tests ascetics and guides travelers, at times a malevolent force that bewitches the arrogant and leads them to ruin.