平安時代
794 - 1185
A long period of peace and cultural flourishing centered in Heian-kyo (Kyoto). The imperial court reached its peak of refinement, producing world-renowned literature like 'The Tale of Genji'.
The height of classical Japanese culture. Aristocratic life was dominated by aesthetic pursuits and complex court rituals.
The era of the Onmyoji (Yin-Yang Masters). Yokai were seen as manifestations of imbalance or vengeful spirits (Onryo) of political rivals. The Night Parade of One Hundred Demons (Hyakki Yagyo) was a very real fear.
Life of the most famous Onmyoji.
安倍晴明
Abe no Seimei is the most famous onmyoji in Japanese folklore. He worked for the Heian imperial court in Kyoto from 921 to 1005, and tradition gives him a white-fox mother named Kuzunoha.
荼枳尼天
Dakini is a Japanese Buddhist goddess who moves through the sky on a flying white fox. She is a central figure in Shingon esoteric Buddhism and is joined to the Inari fox cult.
茨木童子
Ibaraki Doji is a fearsome oni from Heian period folklore and the chief lieutenant of Shuten Doji. The demon is known for the famous arm-cutting battle with the samurai Watanabe no Tsuna at the Rashōmon gate in Kyoto.
式神
A Shikigami is a servant spirit called by an onmyouji, a Heian-period yin-yang sorcerer. The spirit follows the master's word and acts as an extension of the master's power.
菅原道真
Sugawara no Michizane was a Heian scholar who lost his life in exile and returned as one of Japan's three great vengeful spirits. He is now considered Tenjin, the god of learning.