Byakko

Kanji: 白狐
Kana: びゃっこ
Pronunciation: byakko

TRANSLATION: White Fox
ALTERNATE NAMES: Zenko
ORIGIN: Shinto folklore

HABITAT: Shrines, Fields, Mountains
DIET: Offerings, Tofu

ABILITIES:

• Possession
• Blessing
• Ward evil

WEAKNESSES:

• Dogs

OVERVIEW: Byakko is a benevolent fox spirit, known for serving the god Inari, and is often found in shrines.

APPEARANCE: Byakko possesses fur as white as snow. It may have multiple tails depending on its age and power. Its eyes shine with a divine intelligence. It often wears a red bib or holds a key or scroll. It radiates a holy and pure aura.

BEHAVIOR: It acts as a messenger for the rice deity Inari. Byakko brings good harvests and fortune to people. It protects shrines and households from evil spirits. Unlike wild foxes, it never tricks humans out of malice.

INTERACTIONS: Humans worship Byakko at Inari shrines across Japan. People leave offerings of fried tofu to please them. They are considered guardian spirits of the harvest.

OTHER FORMS: It can shapeshift into a human.