The nine-tailed fox is likely the most recognizable yōkai picked in this series. Kitsunes are sometimes revered to be like a god or goddess, although in Japan they are servants to the Shinto diety Inari--hence their frequent appearances at Inari shrines. Reaching 9-tails--about 1,000 years old--this yōkai develops golden or white tails and becomes a celestial fox. Many can be weary to trust kitsunes. Celestial fox spirits are messengers for the gods and could provide protection and good favors. However, other fox spirits can cause trickery and mischief, and can even take control of another human's body. Kitsunes in general are also often represented in media as sexually alluring women to trick men and drain them of their life essence.
The folklore of kitsune has traveled to many other surrounding regions than just Japan. I gave my kitsune Chinese attire around the Tang Dynasty. The folklore during this time that say if a kitsune in their fox form can fit a human skull over their head, then they can become human. I feel like my kitsune would still carries the human skull around as a token of her achievement.
14+ hours of drawing