sometimes may be a worshipper of this particular gongen deity, however, that is not always the case. Kitsune-tsuki Sometimes it is told to be a type of (possession by a kitsune "fox") and depending on the region, a household that has a kuda-gitsune occupying it are labeled as "kuda-mochi" ( "kuda"-haver), "kuda-ya" ("kuda"-proprietor), "kuda-tsukai" ("kuda"-user), etc., and become stigmatized. Such a family, though they main amass wealth is seen to have achieved it by striking fear among others by its fox-using, and marriage with a fox-user household was shunned by the rest. The kuda-gitsune were allegedly commanded by its master to raid other families' homes and stealing their possessions, and in this way the master's family grows wealthy―or at least in the beginning. Since the kuda-gitsune multiplies until their number grows to 75, the large pack of foxes eat away at the family's wealth bringing about their downfall. As for the foxes quickly multiplying to 75, it is also said that every time a bride from a kuda or osaki-haunted household goes off to be married, she is said to bring 75 of the kuda minions along with her into the new household. This piece of folklore was perhaps invented as a convenient explanation as to why so many families came to be accused of being fox-owners, as time went by. Explanatory notes References Citations Bibliography e-text ; -- (1998). Univ of Hawaii Pr; Illustrated edition (12/1). ISBN 978-0824821029 ; e-text External links Illustration of a Kuda-kitsune emerging from a pipe Kitsune (fox) Legendary mammals