Tale of Ronin

Mythology

A stylized, ink painting like, piece of concept artwork. It depicts a man dressed in Japanese edo-period style clothing, with a long stick, standing with the sky behind him.

Shugendo: Japan’s Ancient Tradition of Mountain Asceticism

Shugendo is a religion that originates between the late Heian (794–1185) and Kamakura (1185–1333) periods. This ancient ascetic tradition flourished at a time when Buddhism was being imported from China. Combined with the appreciation for art in the Japanese imperial court, the arrival of organized religion and literacy allowed Shugendo to make its mark. The …

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An ink-blot stylized image of an Oni, or Japanese demon, standing with horns and angular physical features.

Oni: The Fierce Japanese Demon

An oni is a type of yokai, supernatural creatures, monsters, and spirits, found in Japanese mythology. While many other entities that fall under the yokai umbrella can be benevolent, oni are almost always malicious and violent. Typical folkloric depictions show oni as having horns, red or blue skin, sharp claws, and wearing tiger skins. They …

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Concept artwork of a Tengu for the Tale of Ronin game. It is a humanoid creature with bird-like features, and a long nose.

Tengu: Between Trickster Spirit and Minor God

Tengu are one of the most iconic yokai found across Japan. These entities come in two varieties: the older kotengu or karasu-tengu and the newer daitengu. Kotengu have a long history of terrorizing and devouring humans, while daitengu tend to remain aloof and disinterested in human affairs. However, both types are incredibly powerful and dangerous. …

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A stylized black painting of a Japanese woman resembling a fox, with ears and a tail. This is a piece of concept art of a kitsune made for the Tale of Ronin game.

Kitsune: Japan’s Tradition of Spirit Foxes

Foxes are considered to be magical creatures in many different cultures. Across European, Scandinavian, and Celtic folklore, the fox is often depicted as a cunning trickster who may possess supernatural powers. East Asia has historically viewed the fox with similar traits. The Japanese kitsune has become notorious as an otherworldly trickster spirit. Powerful, flighty, and …

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