Many birds, as well as other ordinary creatures, can transform into yokai with strange powers when they live long enough. Aosagibi is one such creature. They are believed to be herons - especially the nocturnal black-crowned heron. Other wild herons and birds, such as ducks and pheasants, can also develop the ability to transform into Aosagibi, although it is generally thought to be caused by nocturnal herons.
Aosagibi depicts a heron with burning eyes and its white feathers burning brightly with a supernatural light. From a distance, the bird looks like a fiery ball of fire. This bird has the ability to hypnotize people who encounter them to the point of getting lost in the forest without finding a way out, if they can't get out, they will die. With each breath, they begin to blow a layer of iridescent yellow powder from their beaks and disperse them into the wind. In autumn, their bodies begin to emit a bluish-white light at night. Their fragrant breath ignites into bright blue fireballs, which they hover over water or tall trees. These fireballs have no heat and don't ignite anything else, eventually evaporating with the wind.
This heron is found along islands and coasts, preferring remote areas with heavy reeds and dense forests. Aosagibi are often seen at night in the trees where herons sleep, by the rivers where they hunt, or when the birds fly in the sunset sky.
Like most wild birds, night herons are shy and often run away from humans. Even after turning into yokai, they still retain their shyness. While the sight of a flock of wild birds breathing in blue flames and making strange calls on a cool autumn night can be quite disconcerting, aosagibi doesn't post any threat to humans. However, because it appears very similar to other fireball-like phenomena, care should be taken to avoid confusing aosagibi with oni-bi or other supernatural lights.
📚 Explore more of the Mystical Creatures series here: Dive into the Enchanted Realms of Mythology
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