Characterised by a long narrow snout and a bushy tail, various species of the fox are found all over the world, some of the most recognisable ones being the red fox, the fennec fox and the Arctic fox.
The fox is often depicted as a sly character; and in many legends, portrayed as a female. Hence, the female name for fox – “vixen” – carries a connotation of a sexually alluring woman, but generally also implies immorality. However, other perspectives on foxes are less derogatory, as they are viewed as powerful spiritual guardians.
"Hu Li Jing": The Chinese Fox Demon
In Chinese mythology, a well-known character is the “hu li jing”, literally translated as fox demon. As the story goes, after meditating in mountain caves for centuries, the fox had acquired shapeshifting abilities, and could take on the appearance of humans at will. Its appearance of choice, however, would be that of a young beautiful woman. These spirits’ purpose was to seduce men, because the “yang” or light energy carried by men would complement the “yin” or darkness carried by the fox spirits, and combine to give them immortality.
Alternative tales of the Chinese fox demon depict a sympathetic character whose only desire is to experience human emotions such as love and happiness. However, once their true natures are exposed, they would be condemned and punished.
"Kitsune": The Japanese Nine-Tailed Fox
According to the animistic faith of Shinto, fox-like animal spirits called “kitsune” are influential servants of Inari, a “kami” or spirit representing fertility, agriculture and success. The worship of Inari had begun since as early as the 9th century, and by extension, the heavenly messengers the kitsune were also worshipped as deities. Offerings such as rice and Japanese wine sake were given, with fried tofu which was said to be a favourite of kitsune.
Another distinguishing characteristic of the Japanese cultural fox is the number of tails, with the general perception being that the more tails a fox has, the older and more powerful it is. They could grow up to nine tails after having lived a thousand years. In some tales, kitsune were able to take on the appearance of humans, but they would have trouble disguising their tails and often be discovered because of it, especially by suspicious dogs, their mortal enemies.
Foxes of Nature: Finnish, Achumawi Indian and Vietnamese Perspectives
In Finland, the mesmerising aurora borealis or northern lights was believed to be the result of a fox running on the snow and sweeping its tail so that sparks fly off into the sky. The aurora borealis was also known as “revontulet”, or “fox fires”, referred to as magic lights back before its scientific origins were discovered.
The fox also played a central part in the folklore of the Achumawi Indians in California, who believed in the concept of the First People. These "animal people" prepared the world for human habitation; and by process of evolution became the real animals of present day. There are three foremost divinities in the Achumawi conception of this origin – the Ja'mul Coyote-man, Kwahn Silver Fox-man, and Al-le'-um Frog-woman.
Another well-known legend is that of Lac Long, the forefather of Vietnam who battled a fox demon with nine tails. Lac Long emerged victorious, and the blood of the slain fox demon resulted in the creation of Hanoi’s West Lake, which has been dubbed “The Sea of the Body of the Fox”.
With so many different stories surrounding it, the fox remains an ambiguous character which can neither be classified as totally good or totally evil; nevertheless it is clearly a ubiquitous figure in culture and mythology across the world.
