Tengu are either a type of youkai (supernatural beings) or Kami (gods) of Japanese folklore. Initially portrayed as humanoid avians with distinctively long beaks, this feature is occasionally humanized as long noses. Like the Kitsune and Tanuki, the tengu started out as an animal, but its evolution has taken more twists and turns.
They lived in mountainous solitude and were famous, according to many popular stories, for their knowledge in martial arts, which they shared occasionally with humans. Many warriors and Samurai, particularly saber experts, claimed they had been providentially inspired by the wise advice of a Tengu, sometimes in a dream, while they were in a voluntary retreat in the mountains, to pursue feverishly their quest for the way in asceticism.
Tengu folklore has been found in both Buddhist and Shinto mythology, and the Tengu are often portrayed a bit differently depending on the text and the era the information originated from. Tengu are sworn enemies of the Buddhist faith, and much of their history has been spent trying to lure people off the road to enlightenment.
As its own type of Youkai, the Tengu has many different variants of their race. Some are:
Daitengu- The Greater Tengu. An imposing semi-human whose most prominent feature is a long nose and large wings along with a red face, robes, and holding a large fan that they use to stir up huge winds. Daitengu often abduct humans, sometimes to torment them, but other times to teach them magic.
Karasu Tengu - The Lesser Tengu. Also known as Kotengu, these Tengu take the form of crows or other birds of prey. They are much more animal-like both in their appearance and their behavior and are known to taint the living through haunting them and whispering corruptive words in their ears.
Kurama Tengu - The most powerful and well-known of Tengu who were said to live in Mt. Kurama in Kyoto. They are not only said to be exceptional warriors, but also have the ability to fend off disease and bring good luck.
Koppa Tengu - The Leaf Tengu. The smallest of the Tengu, possessing very little spiritual energy. It is sometimes said wolves that live an exceptionally long life will become Koppa Tengu.
"Origin: Japan. A mountain god who causes odd incidents. They were originally drawn as a cross between a man's face and a bird's. Later, they were drawn more as a mountain priest with a red face and long nose. They are said to have various divine powers and dwell in mountains."
The Tengu created Amanozako as a Great Tengu to lead them through the end of the world; like Aogami, she was born when a Proto-fiend was imbued with Magatsuhi. When Amanozako first came into being, her power went wild and she fled, eventually wishing to reunite with her father, Susano-o and rejected the tengu, who spent a significant amount of time looking for her.
During "The Destined Leader", the Kurama Tengu realize she has links to the protagonist and uses him to bring her to them. When they refuse, one of them summons Zaou-Gongen but the pair are defeated. The Tengu then give up on reacquiring Amanozako, who then reveals that she is comfortable around them as she realizes that Susano-o is Aogami, merged with the protagonist. As thanks for saving her from the tengu, she will join his party if space is avaliable.
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner[]
"Origin: Japan
Humanoid monsters who live in the mountains and wield divine power. They're commonly depicted with a long nose, red face, and the clothes of a mountain priest. They have a variety of supernatural powers, such as flight, illusion, and psychic powers.
The story goes that when an apprentice Buddhist monk went to the mountains, he went down a path full of mistakes, and his heresy turned him into a Tengu. Because of his good heart, he became a good Tengu and protected those who came to worship him from accidents. Those with evil hearts become evil Tengu instead."
—Akuma Zensho
Persona 2: Innocent Sin[]
"A long-nosed yōkai with the appearance of a Shugenja. The big nose symbolizes its pride."
—PSX Profile
Tengu is the lowest level Persona of the Magician Arcana and may be summoned once Tatsuya Suou has reached Level 11 and obtained 64 Magician Cards.
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment[]
Tengu returns as the lowest level Persona of the Magician Arcana.
DemiKids Light & Dark[]
"A flying demon-warrior with enough fancy moves to keep its enemies guessing."
Magician
