하늘을 날아다니는 요괴, 덴구(天狗)의 비행(飛行)모티프

Abstract

Dengu are characterized as taking different forms and characteristics over the centuries. The dengu were originally thought to be monsters that looked like winged birds. Thisimage was embodied in the Gonjaku Monogatarishu, published during the Heian period. In the middle ages, dengu were described as ascetics of the Shugendo sect, characterized by an unusually large nose and a red face. In the modern ages, they have come to be depicted as ridiculous, humorous creatures, easily tricked by humans. Although they have changed in their appearance over the centuries, dengu are still described as using their wings to fly. But the supernatural powers ascribed to dengu as ascetics of Shugendo are closely associated with mountain worship and Esoteric Buddhism. It is not only the dengu that possess occult powers for flying in the sky. We can also find tales of Buddha, Buddhists and many other gods flying in the sky, flying on monk's canes in the Historical Records of the Three Korean Kingdoms, as well as instances of Buddhist monks riding clouds. It is well known that with the arrival of Buddhism from China and Korea, Buddhist scriptures had an enormous effect on Japanese folk tales. Therefore, it seems that the dengu's ability to fly most likely derived from the supernatural powers detailed in the Buddhist scriptures.