A nine-tailed fox doesn't have one single name; it's a mythical creature in East Asian folklore, known as Kitsune (Japanese), Kumiho (Korean), and Huli Jing (Chinese), often gaining power and wisdom with age, with names like Kurama (Naruto) or Tamamo-no-Mae (folklore) being specific examples.
The fox spirit is an especially prolific shapeshifter, known variously as the húli jīng (fox spirit) in Mandarin speaking China, the hồ ly tinh (fox spirit) in Vietnam, the kitsune (fox) in Japan, and the kumiho (nine-tailed fox) in Korea.
There are thirteen types of Kitsune in Japanese mythology.
Gumiho's are considered evil, however if they can control themselves and live a thousand years without consuming human flesh, then they can loose their evil character and permanently become a human. Another mythical creature that seems to be unique to the Korean folklore is the Imoogi.
Common forms assumed by kitsune include beautiful women, young girls, elderly men, and less often young boys. These shapes are not limited by the fox's own age or gender, and a kitsune can duplicate the appearance of a specific person. Kitsune are particularly renowned for impersonating beautiful women.
Kitsune, the Legend
Kitsune have a range of magical powers that can be wielded for good or for evil: mind-control, human possession and even affecting the weather. Kitsune are the only yokai in Japanese folklore who fall in love and get married, which typically results in a Fox's Wedding, or Kitsune no Yomeiri,.
Dogs - Dogs are a universal, instinctual fear and weakness for Kitsune in folklore. Iron - Iron (especially older wrought iron) is sometimes cited as a metal that repels or weakens them.
Kurama is widely known as the strongest of the nine tailed beasts. Hashirama Senju, who could subdue the fox, viewed it as too powerful and dangerous to be left roaming free.
The appearance of a nine-tailed fox symbolizes peace and prosperity in the world. According to the ancient illustrated book of Ruiying Tupu《瑞应图谱》, when the king is over-distracted by beauty, the nine-tailed fox would arrive (王者不倾于色，则九尾狐至).
Age. Kitsune reach physical maturity in the teens similar to humans. The lifespan of a kitsune depends strongly on the number of tails they have, with one tailed individuals living 75 years or so, while those with multiple tails can live well into their second century and beyond.
They simply deceive because they can. However, legends say you can tell if someone is a kitsune by observing their shadow or reflection, which reveals their true nature. In some cases, the less powerful kitsune can't shapeshift out of their fox tails, fangs, or ears. So, they find ways to hide them while in human form.
It's supposedly the favorite food of foxes. That's why udon with fried tofu topping is called kitsune udon, and fried tofu pockets stuffed with sushi rice is inari-zushi. Foxes are naturally carnivores, so this is pretty odd.
Void Kitsune
Nogitsune have the ability to possess people ("Silverfinger"), control others by infecting them with flies they produce from their body ("De-Void"), and create powerful illusions ("The Divine Move").
- There are different types of Kitsune ... Zenko (善 狐) -> good fox, she is the messenger of the goddess Inari, deity of agriculture, fertility and good luck. A statue of Kitsune is commonly found at the entrance to Shinto shrines and temples, with a protective function.
The more widely-used term Kumiho follows the McCune–Reischauer romanization system, whereas the official romanization of Korean is Gumiho, which is also closer to the actual Korean pronunciation.
the opposite of a Kyuubi, AkA kitsune with 9 tails, would be a kitsune with 1 tail.
Tamamo-no-Mae is a legendary nine-tailed fox who appeared as a radiant woman at the Japanese imperial court. Wise, beautiful, and mysterious — but once her true identity was revealed, she was hunted and blamed, her story rewritten as a warning against feminine power.
Kyubi no Kitsune (Nine tailed fox)
In Japanese folklore, foxes are mystical animals, and the oldest, wisest, and most powerful fox has nine tails. The nine tailed fox is an evil monster (some people believe it's one of the gods though). It has been trying to destroy the world by tempting and manipulating emperors.
The shapes they take can vary, though more often than not it's the guise of a beautiful young woman. In fact, in many a story female kitsune marry unwitting human men and become loving wives and devoted mothers, and children born of these pairings are reputed to have powerful divination abilities themselves.
You'd be hard pressed to find a male kitsune in the older tales, but kitsune can be both male and female, and in fact can take the form of either a man or a woman when changing to a human. Today, however, there are many stories of male kitsune, particularly in anime and manga.
Furthermore, the nine-tailed fox is also considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity in feng shui. Carrying or displaying its symbol is believed to attract wealth and abundance, creating favorable conditions for financial prosperity.
The nine-tailed demon fox (九尾の妖狐Kyūbi no Kitsune?) is the most powerful of the tailed beasts and regarded as an age-old natural disaster, as a single swipe of one of its tails can raise tsunamis and flatten mountains.
Foxes are quick and naturally curious animals. While they display a sly and cunning personality, they turn out to be protective and loyal creatures. And like other animals, foxes are interesting beings with many unique characteristics. Their long tails help them balance running and keep them warm when sleeping.
Fire-based attacks or Oni Flame damage are highly effective here. Stay alert, though – he can still land some heavy hits. Tip: Once you've defeated Kitsune, you'll earn the trophy of the same name.
In folklore, they often possess women and, while feeding off of their host's life force, seduce men whom they wish to trick. This possession by a fox spirit is called kitsune tsuki. Some stories cite men marrying women who are possessed by mischievous kitsune.