The Tengu Goblin was featured in Usagi
Yojimbo Color Special #2, a legendary swordsgoblin created by the
evil painter Goyemon. The Tengu Goblins are better swordsmen than
even Usagi himself, and the Tengu would very well have killed Usagi
had it not been for one thing...of course I won't spoil it for you,
read the issue to find out how Usagi beats the Tengu.
In Usagi, the Tengu Goblin has reddish
skin, a prominent nose, piercing eyes, with a man's body, arms, and
legs, and big pointy ears. He also wears a little black hat, and
carries only a single sword, unlike Usagi.The Japanese have been
known to use the word 'Tengu' in a slang way to refer to a conceited
person.
In Japanese mythology, the Tengu is a
mountain or forest Goblin whose skill with the sword is unsurpassed.
They generally have long noses, but occasionally beaks, they often
carry a fan, and figure as boogeymen in Japanese culture. According
to fold belief, the Tengu has extraordinary power to cause natural
disasters and has control over the mountains. This belief is absed on
the awe primitive people experienced toward certain mysterious
mountains. They tend to dwell in hollow trees, and are said to be the
progeny of the storm God, Susanowo.
Susanowo was the Japanese God of the winds
and Lord of the ocean. It is said that he arose from the nose of
Izanagi. In his capacity as God of thunder he is associated with
snakes and dragons.
Izanagi (meaning 'the Lord who invites you
to enter') forms, together with Izanami, the primeval pair of
divinities of Shintoism. In closing, the Tengu Goblins are better
swordsmen than even our loveable friend Usagi, so next time you're in
the mountains, watch out.
