In Chinese mythology, also Japan, it is believed that all things are capable of acquiring human forms, magical powers, and immortality provided that they received certain energy, such as breaths or essence from the moon and the sun.
The fox spirits that people encounter in tales and lengends tend to be females, and appears to them as young, beautiful women. Women who steal men from their wifes, would often be refer to by the wife as a "fox spirit" (狐精).