The Story
A long time ago, in this very
place lived a Kitsune. Every night the Kitsune would take the form of other
Mononoke and go around scaring the people of the town. Some people became so
frightened that they became ill and fell into a deep sleep. One night a monk
was taking a nightly stroll when the kitsune decided to transform into a large
tree and block his path. However, the monk could see through the Kitsune's
disguise and using his powers removed the illusion and continued his walk.
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Unfortunately for the Kitsune, the monk's powers hand bound him to that spot
and as the sun began to rise, people began to gather around the spot to see the
Kitsune. As the crowd grew so did the resentment towards the fox for the many
nights it had scared the people. Soon people in the crowd began chanting
"This Kitsune has spooked us enough, we should turn it into Kitsune soup." The ruckus caused by the crowd soon drew the attention of the monk. and he
slowly made his way through the crowd and up to the Fox.
Taking pity on the
Kitsune the monk said "If you act kindly and do virtuous deeds good things
will happen to you, but if you continue your wicked ways, you can only expect
horrible things to befall you. As payment for your bad deeds, you shall show
the way to those who get lost on these streets at night, and in exchange, you
will not be turned into soup." with that, the monk returned to the
mountains.
Since that day, the Kitsune has watched over the streets at night as their guardian deity. When
someone loses their way or encounters something dangerous, they will hear a
voice guiding them to where they need to go. To show thanks, the people of the
town give offerings of the fox's favorite food fried tofu, red beans, and
mochi. It is said whoever calls for the rescuing kitsune, it will appear to
help them.
Citation
“送り狐.” Wikipedia.org, ウィキメディア財団, 26 Jan. 2008, ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%80%81%E3%82%8A%E7%8B%90.