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November 20, 2024 17 mins

Hello Gentle Listeners, I hope you enjoyed this episode on The Kitsune and the storys I told in this episode. If you did enjoy it then please check out my other episodes and send me a review or suggestions for future episodes to whispersofthepastpc@gmail.com

Written and Read by your host Josh

Sound designed by Charles Wade

Mark as Played
Transcript

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Hello gentle listeners, welcome back to episode 17 of Whispers of the Past. I'm your host,

(00:13):
Josh, and today we're diving into the enchanting, elusive, and sometimes mischievous world of
the kitsune. The kitsune, a legendary fox spirit from Japanese folklore, embodies duality,
faithful trickster and powerful protector. These magical creatures have captivated people
for centuries, appearing in myths, stories, and even modern pop culture. So, settle in

(00:40):
and join me as we explore the fascinating history of the kitsune, uncovering tales of
deception, loyalty, and transformation.
To understand the kitsune, we need to delve into its origins. The word kitsune simply
means fox in Japanese, but in folklore it takes on a much deeper meaning. Kitsune are

(01:03):
believed to be yokai, supernatural beings that exist in a realm between gods and demons.
Originating from ancient Shinto beliefs, kitsune are messengers of the deity Inari, the god
of rice, prosperity, and fertility. This connection to Inari imbues the kitsune with a sacred role

(01:25):
as both protectors and, at times, tricksters. Kitsune myths began as early as the Hainan
period, 794 to 1185, when foxes were seen as shapeshifters capable of transforming into
humans, especially beautiful women. They would often use this power to trick unsuspecting

(01:47):
people. But the reasons for these tricks vary widely. Some stories paint them as playful
beings enjoying a little fun at human expense. Others depict them as vengeful spirits taking
revenge for perceived wrongdoings. Yet, there are also tales where the kitsune falls in love
with a human, showing its capacity for loyalty and even heartbreak.

(02:11):
One of the most common themes in kitsune folklore is transformation. According to legend, a
human can transform into a human after reaching a certain age, typically around 100 years
old. When they reach 100 years old, they gain a second tail, and with each century of age

(02:32):
after they gain another tail, with the wisest and most powerful among them boasting nine
tails. These nine-tailed foxes are known as koiobi no kitsune and are considered almost
godlike in their wisdom and power. However, the transformation is often not perfect. Details
like a fox's shadows or a slight reflection in the eyes may reveal the kitsune's true

(02:57):
nature. Kitsune are known for their unique relationship
with humans, often using their supernatural abilities to blend into human society. While
they can be playful or dangerous, many stories portray kitsune as mysterious entities who
form deep bonds with certain humans. These fox spirits sometimes develop genuine attachments

(03:21):
to the people they deceive or protect, which adds a layer of emotional complexity to their
tales. The duality of the kitsune, capable of both deception and loyalty, reflects the
complex relationships humans have with the natural and spiritual worlds in Japanese culture.
Kitsune challenge human perceptions, forcing people to question what they see and to look

(03:45):
beyond appearances. Another fascinating aspect of kitsune lore is the ability of foxes to
possess humans, a process known as kitsun-suki, or fox possession. In Japanese tradition,
certain kitsune can enter a human body, often to control, torment, or even teach a moral

(04:07):
lesson. Historically, kitsun-suki was considered a
genuine mental or physical affliction, leading to various traditional remedies. People believed
a possessed person might act wildly or erratically, often speaking in strange voices or exhibiting
behaviour beyond their control. Locals saw this as the fox spirit influencing their thoughts

(04:32):
and behaviours, sometimes as punishment for past actions, or even as a way to draw attention
to neglected rituals or family practices. While some sought priests for exorcisms, others
believed only the fox spirit itself could leave willingly, meaning the person's family
had to atone to appease it and make it leave. The power of the kitsune to transform and

(04:58):
possess, combined with its role as a messenger for the gods, makes it a deeply respected
and feared figure in Japanese mythology. In various shrines dedicated to Inari, fox statues
guard the entrances, symbolising both protection and the kitsune's watchful eye over human

(05:18):
affairs. These shrines emphasise the spiritual significance of foxes as symbols of fertility
and prosperity, demonstrating that the kitsune's presence is far reaching, touching on aspects
of life, nature and the supernatural. This reverence has endured through the centuries,

(05:40):
with kitsune legends continuing to evolve as they capture imaginations worldwide.
Now let me tell you the tale of Tamamo-nome. In the heart of Japan's Hainan period, the
court of Emperor Toubo basked in an age of elegance and beauty. The palace was a world

(06:01):
of its own. Vast gardens bloomed with cherry blossoms and red maples, koi ponds shimmered
beneath delicate bridges, and every room was adorned with golden screens that captured
mountain vistas, rivers and mystical creatures, their colours glowing in the soft light. Into
this splendid world arrived a woman named Tamamo-nome, and from the moment she set foot

(06:27):
in the palace, her presence seemed to transform it. Tamamo-nome was unlike anyone the court
had ever seen. Her beauty was dazzling, with features so flawless they appeared almost
otherworldly. More than her looks, however, it was her wisdom and charm that captivated
all that met her. Tamamo-nome could speak on any topic. Art, philosophy, history, with

(06:53):
a knowledge that went far beyond her years. Emperor Toubo, a ruler of both curiosity and
intellect, found himself enchanted by her presence. In her company, the world itself
seemed to brighten, and it wasn't long before she became his most trusted confidant.
As soon after Tamamo-nome's arrival, Emperor Toubo began to weaken. He grew pale, restless,

(07:21):
his energy slipping away little by little each day. His nights were haunted by strange
nightmares, and none of his healers could find a cause for his decline. His advisors,
unsettled by the mystery of his illness, began to whisper among themselves, suspecting that
dark forces might be at work. But Tamamo-nome, serene and graceful, offered herself as his

(07:45):
caretaker. Her concern for him seemed so genuine that the Emperor clung to her even more, feeling
safe in her presence despite his suffering. As his health continued to decline, a renowned
omnioji named Abe-no-Yusuki was summoned to the palace. A master of magic and divination,

(08:09):
Yusuki had spent his life studying the forces that moved between worlds. Observing Tamamo-nome,
he watched her carefully, seeking any sign that might reveal her true nature. Days passed,
and the feeling gnawed at him that something was amiss. Finally, he uncovered the truth.

(08:32):
Tamamo-nome was not a woman at all, but a kitsune, a nine-tailed fox spirit who had
taken human form. She was sapping the Emperor's life force to sustain her own power. With
her true identity exposed, Tamamo-nome had no choice but to flee. She escaped the palace
in the dead of night, her form shifting back into that of a gleaming white fox with nine

(08:56):
magnificent tails. She sped across the countryside, darting through fields and forests, her silvery
fur blending with the misty landscape. The Emperor's guards gave chase, and the hunt
stretched across the land, from the mountains to the rivers, through shadowed valleys and
thick ancient woods. Finally, the chase led to the plains of Nasu, a desolate expanse

(09:21):
of endless grass that stretched toward a sky heavy with clouds. Tamamo-nome ran with all
her might, her form a blur against the empty plains, but her pursuers closed in. Trapped
and exhausted, she was struck down, and there, in that wild and lonely place, her body fell.

(09:44):
But even death could not silence her spirit. Her soul, still fierce and vengeful, was
said to linger in the plains of Nasu, where it cursed any who dared to disturb her resting
place. And so, the legend of Tamamo-nome endures. A tale of beauty and deception, of power and
tragedy, whispered across generations as a reminder of a mysterious fox spirit who once

(10:10):
brought the mighty Emperor to his knees. This story has remained popular in Japan for centuries,
and Tamamo-nome has come to symbolise the dual nature of Kitsune, able to be both alluring
and deadly, wise and deceitful. Some versions of the story suggest that Tamamo-nome was

(10:31):
more complex than a simple villain. Perhaps she was a misunderstood creature, desperate
to survive, or perhaps her motives were more complex than mere malice, the tale raises
questions about identity, loyalty, and the often blurry line between the supernatural
and the mortal realms. Another beloved Kitsune story is the tale of Kusanoha, which carries

(10:58):
a more romantic and tragic tone. Kusanoha was a white fox who fell in love with a man
named Eib No Yasuna after he saved her life. To express her gratitude, she transformed
into a beautiful woman and became his wife. Together, they shared a harmonious life and

(11:20):
even had a son, who was named Eib No Sama, destined to become one of Japan's most legendary
onyoji, or spirit practitioners. The family lived in a modest home on the outskirts of
the capital, where their home was surrounded by lush fields and dense bamboo forests. Wild

(11:42):
flowers grew along the dirt paths leading to their home, and the air was filled with
the songs of birds. Kusanoha would often sit by the window, gazing into the forest with
a look of longing, as if the call of the wild and her fox nature tugged at her heart. Despite
her longing, her love for her husband and son kept her close, and she was devoted wife

(12:05):
and mother. For years, Kusanoha lived happily with her husband and child, hiding her true
identity as a fox. However, one day, her young son noticed her reflection in a mirror, revealing
her fox features. Realizing her secret was out, Kusanoha knew she could no longer remain

(12:26):
in her human form. Heartbroken, she left her family, but not without leaving a message
in the form of a farewell poem, urging her husband and son to find her if they ever needed
help. The poem was left on a sliding door and read,
If you love me and miss me, come to see me in the forest of Shinoda, deep within the

(12:49):
thicket. Her departure left an empty place in the hearts of her family, and Eib No Yasuna
soon embarked on a journey to the forest of Shinoda with their son. The forest of Shinoda
was a mystical place, filled with towering cedar trees that seemed to whisper ancient
secrets, and a river whose waters ran crystal clear. Upon reaching it, they saw Kusanoha

(13:16):
in her true fox form, watching them from a distance. Although she did not approach, she
stayed in sight for a while, as if to show her undying love and her desire to protect
them even from afar. After Kusanoha's departure, her son, Eib
No Seima, grew up and inherited the mystical powers associated with his mother's kitsune

(13:40):
lineage. He became one of the most respected onn-yoji in Japanese history, known for his
wisdom, knowledge of the supernatural, and ability to communicate with spirits. Many
believed that his mother's fox spirit granted him special abilities, linking him to a realm
beyond the mortal one. As an onn-yoji, he served the imperial court, drawing on both

(14:06):
human intelligence and kitsune intuition. The story of Kusanoha continues to inspire
art, poetry, and theatre, reflecting themes of love, sacrifice, and the bittersweet separation
between human and supernatural worlds. To this day, Kusanoha is seen as a symbol of

(14:28):
devotion and selflessness, reminding listeners of the delicate balance between love and the
constraints of one's true nature. Her tale endures as a testament to her mother's love,
which transcends the boundaries between fox and human, leaving a lasting legacy through
her son's life. In addition to the Tamanohe and Kusanoha

(14:53):
tales, kitsune legends vary widely in tone and theme. Some kitsune fall in love with humans
and live peacefully as loyal spouses until their true nature is discovered. Other kitsune
tales serve as cautionary fables, warning people of the dangers of deception. There
are also stories about kitsune leading travelers astray, bewitching them to wander in circles,

(15:18):
or even transforming into lanterns to lure them into dangerous terrain. A clever fox
often leaves its victims confused, only to vanish into thin air, laughing at the prank
it has pulled. Beyond their role in folklore, kitsune are
woven into Japanese culture. Shrines dedicated to Inari across Japan feature statues of foxes,

(15:41):
often holding a symbolic object like a key or a jewel. These foxes are guardians, believed
to protect the shrines and the people who visit. The duality of the kitsune, protector
and trickster, embodies the complex relationship humans have with nature and Japanese belief.

(16:02):
The fox, cunning yet loyal, is respected and revered. In more recent times, the kitsune
has become a popular figure in anime, manga and video games. From characters with fox-like
traits to full-on kitsune heroes and villains, this folklore spirit has found a new audience

(16:22):
worldwide. Its portrayal varies from playful and mischievous to wise and solemn, proving
that the kitsune's charm is timeless. As we wrap up this episode, let's reflect
on the allure of the kitsune. Perhaps their appeal lies in their complexity, their ability
to be both beautiful and terrifying, loyal and deceptive. They remind us that not everything

(16:48):
is black and white. In the natural world, as in life, there are shades of grey. Whether
as guardian spirits, tricksters or lovers, kitsune stories continue to evolve, keeping
them alive in our imaginations. Thank you for joining me on this journey into
Japanese folklore. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, check out my other

(17:10):
episodes and send me a review or suggestions for future episodes to whispersofthepastreviews.gmail.com.
I'm your host Josh, and I hope to see you next time.
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