Superhuman or supernatural powers were often associated with the ninja. Some legends include flight, invisibility, shapeshifting, the ability to "split" into multiple bodies, the summoning of animals, and control over the five classical elements. These fabulous notions have stemmed from popular imagination
regarding the ninja's mysterious status, as well as romantic ideas found in later Japanese art of the Edo period. Magical powers were sometimes rooted in the ninja's own efforts to disseminate fanciful information.
For example, Nakagawa Shoshujin, the 17th century founder of Nakagawa-ryū,
claimed in his own writings (Okufuji Monogatari) that he had the ability to
transform into birds and animals.