In this enchanting Japanese folktale, discover the story of two tengu—Blue Tengu and Red Tengu—who live atop a mountain. Their once-friendly bond is tested when rivalry sparks a quarrel that leads them on separate paths, only for fate and compassion to reunite them in the end.
Blue Tengu and Red Tengu
Once upon a time, high on a mountain, two tengu known as Blue Tengu and Red Tengu lived in harmony, watching the busy lives of humans below.
One day, Red Tengu mused, “We have lived here for centuries, yet nothing has changed about us.” Blue Tengu agreed but pointed out that humans were always evolving—arguing, building towns, and embracing change every day.
Motivated by the human world’s transformation, Red Tengu suggested they quarrel to see something new happen. Though hesitant at first, Blue Tengu eventually joined in, and the two began a fight that drove them apart, each retreating to different mountains.
Some time later, while gazing over the land, Blue Tengu spotted something shimmering in a castle courtyard. Intrigued, he extended his long nose toward the castle and reached the spot where the castle maids were hanging beautiful kimonos. One by one, they draped the elegant garments on his nose, and before long, a bounty of kimonos became entangled with him.
Observing from afar, Red Tengu grew envious. “If only we had not quarreled, we could have shared these splendid kimonos,” he lamented. Determined, he stretched his nose toward the castle too—but the castle servants mistook his elongated nose for a weapon and began cutting it with vicious precision. Overwhelmed by pain, Red Tengu suffered severe injuries.
At that moment, Blue Tengu appeared and, moved by compassion, offered Red Tengu healing medicine along with half of his collected kimonos. This act of kindness mended their broken bond, and soon, Red Tengu abandoned the quarrel, reuniting with Blue Tengu as they resumed their life together.
Conclusion
The timeless tale of Blue Tengu and Red Tengu reminds us that conflicts—even among the closest companions—can lead to unforeseen hardships. Yet, through compassion and forgiveness, lost bonds may be restored, proving that change and reconciliation are always possible.
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