A question for Sakai-sensei...

[Robert Wetherelt]

A question for Sakai-sensei. I've been Goggle searching images of traditional Tengu goblins aaaannnd...they all have wings! Why did you design your tengu without wings? I think that it would have been a cool addition to the characters. And if you read the "Tomoe Gozen" novels...they have bird-like heads and are short in stature. Soooo...why the omission?

[Martin]

There are two kinds of Tengu; it's in the notes to volume 18. One kind has wings and is very birdlike, the other is the kind we see in the story, and these are the "master swordsmen" Tengu.

Again, the notes to volume 18 has a better explanation than my clumsy one...hope that helps!

[Robert Wetherelt]

Thank you Martin for your answer to my question ,but, I really wanted Sakai-sensei's reasons for his design choice. I seen even the "human-like" Tengu with wings on them. So...the question still stands...Why did you decide not to include wings on your Tengu design? I think that it would have given them a more imposing presence. Almost regal,if you will.

[Todd Shogun]

Wikipedia has a very concise article on Tengu at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tengu

I am willing to bet that Mr. Sakai chose the yamabushi-stylized long-nosed tengu over the karasu (raven/crow) tengu for future storyline reasons -- namely the linkage between Katsuichi and the yamabushi tengu (or Daitengu/hanatakatengu per Wikipedia).

Wikipedia states: "Beginning in the 13th century, tengu came to be associated in particular with the yamabushi, the mountain ascetics who practice Shugendō. The association soon found its way into Japanese art, where tengu are most frequently depicted in the yamabushi's distinctive costume, which includes a small black cap and a pom-pommed sash."

This picture scroll shows what appears to be a tengu very much like Stan's design (long nose, pompoms, etc):



I vaguely remember Stan saying he would eventually introduce the ravenesque karasu tengu at a future date -- possibly for the Tengu Wars story arc?

[Robert Wetherelt]

Thanks for the info there dude. And the link. Most enlightening.But...as I previously stated...I've seen pictures of statues AND paintings of the human-like Tengu with wings as well as the bird-like Tengu. I guess it all depends upon the artist's interpretation of the Tengu myth. I personally like the wings myself. For estetique reasons. Its just neat to look at. Que.sara,sara.

[Stan Sakai]

I preferred using the long nose tengu, as they seem to be more proficient with the sword, like the one that fought Usagi in The Doors. According to legend, these tengu taught Yoshitsune his swordsmanship.

Also, the karasu (crow) tengu seem to be flock animals, living in groups. The long nose ones are often solitary, as the one living near Katsuichi.

The karasu tengu will make an appearance some day, but not the near future.

[Robert Wetherelt]

Thank you for settling this question Sakai-sensei. I really like the Tengu. And I may even use them in one of my stories. They make for interesting characters. So...thanks again. Abayo!