Ancient Fox Spirit Folklore and its Significance Throughout Asian Cultures
Modern Day Adaptations of Fox Spirit Folklore
Here are just a handful of the modern adaptations which drew inspiration from fox spirit folklore.
Gumiho
Dramas-
"Tale of the Nine Tailed" (Korean: "구미호뎐"): This popular Korean drama follows the life of a Gumiho, or Nine-Tailed Fox, as he navigates the human world, encountering challenges and mysteries from his past. The drama weaves supernatural elements with themes of love and revenge.
Movies-
"The Fox Family" (Korean "구미호 가족") A South Korean film that combines comedy and fantasy, telling the story of a family of Gumihos who lose their fox beads and must adapt to human life to retrieve them.
Books-
"The Gumiho Series" by Kat Cho- This young adult fantasy series, starting with "Wicked Fox," explores the life of a Gumiho in modern-day Seoul, blending Korean folklore with contemporary themes.
Video Games-
"Lost Ark"- An action role-playing game that features a Gumiho as a playable character. Players can experience the mythical world of Arkesia, where various folklore-inspired beings, including Gumihos, exist.
Kitsune
Dramas-
"Kitsune no Koi" (Japanese "狐の恋") A Japanese drama that revolves around a romance between a human and a Kitsune, delving into the challenges they face due to the supernatural elements.
Books-
"The Fox Woman" by Kij Johnson- Set in ancient Japan, this fantasy novel incorporates Kitsune mythology, telling a poignant tale of love and transformation.
Video Games-
"Okami"- An action-adventure game with Japanese folklore influences. While not focused solely on Kitsune, the game includes mythical creatures and spirits reminiscent of Japanese folklore.
Huli Jing
Movies-
"Painted Skin" (Chinese: "畫皮") A Chinese fantasy film that features a Huli Jing among its characters, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the supernatural.
Books-
"Fox Volant of the Snowy Mountain" by Louis Cha- A wuxia novel that includes characters with fox-like qualities, drawing inspiration from Chinese mythology.
Video Games-
"Jade Empire"- An action role-playing game set in a mythical version of ancient China, where players encounter various mythological creatures, including those inspired by Huli Jing folklore.