In Japanese folklore, the tengu is a shape-shifting creature traditionally described as a long-nosed mountain goblin.
Early tengu imagery was influenced by the Chinese tiangou, or “heavenly dog,” but Japanese traditions developed the being into a distinctive supernatural figure. Later representations commonly show a humanoid with a very long nose, red face, wings, or a birdlike form. The mountain-dwelling yamabushi appearance became especially influential.
Tengu are associated with forests, mountains, martial skills, pride, and disruption. Some stories present them as dangerous tricksters or abductors, while others portray them as powerful protectors or teachers. Their moral character therefore varies considerably across time and region.
Tengu are not the same as oni, which are usually horned ogre-like beings, or kappa, which are water-associated creatures. They also should not be reduced to a single fixed design: the long-nosed form is only one major stage in a long visual and literary history.