A third variety, referred to as a “divine dog”, is human with a dog’s head. It is also the emblem of the Empress of China. Apart from monsters, Shan Hai Jing also lists many tribes of strange humans. Jan 22, 2015 - This Pin was discovered by Guillaume Dpr. Feng Huang is said to be born of fire and is considered the emperor of all birds. Many people in different places pray to Yinglong in order to receive rain. The Shan Hai Jing is the most “authoritative” source of legendary creatures and monsters in Chinese mythology. Artistic impression of Xiangliu in the Japanese RPG resource book series, Truth in Fantasy. Hou looks like a lion with 2 long ears and can roars very loudly. Articles that are apart of Chinese mythology will appear here. Chinese peoplesometimes use … Note too that many of these characters used for these names are considered archaic and rarely used in today’s Chinese writings. This popular and interesting story about Chang-O takes you to the distant past where the 10 sons of the Jade Emperor were transformed into 10 suns. The first giraffesent as a gift to a Chinese emperor was believed to be the Qilin. There are many magical creatures with supernatural powers in Chinese mythology. Also, Pi Xiu eats everything, but never excretes, which made it respected as a … Achetez neuf ou d'occasion Chinese mythology (Chinese: 中國神話; pinyin: Zhōngguó shénhuà) is mythology that has been passed down in oral form or recorded in literature in the geographic area now known as "China". One of the most popular of Asian mythical creatures is the Chinese Dragon, originated around the 5th millennium BC - and traditionally symbolize power, … Related: Chinese Black Ma gic, Amazing Paintings of Demons and Mythological Creatures of the Chinese Folklore, Hungry Ghost Festival images, Traditional Paintings of Chinese Dragons and other legendary creatures Diyu, the Chinese hell. An integral part of Chinese culture, these tales have gone on to inspire artists for centuries. It can comprehend the nature of all living things. the form used in the People’s Republic of China. The dragon is also a symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power; hence the emperor of China usually used the dragon as a symbol of his imperial power. Confucius’ birth and death were said to be foreshadowed by the presence of a kylin. The dragon symbolised great power and was very supportive of heroes and gods. You wouldn’t want to enter in a verbal argument with a Kaiming Shou, one of the weirdest Chinese mythical creatures ever. Chinese mythology is far from monolithic, not being an integrated system, even among just Han people. The Taotie ate too much and died as a result, and then it became a symbol of greedy people. The Kylin or Qilin is the unicorn of Chinese mythology. A pair of male and female Feng Huang together is the symbol of everlasting love. The Qilin is a mythical Chinese creature known in lots of East Asian cultures, and is believed to emerge when a wise sage or an illustrious king arrives or passes away. Pixiu can swallow everything without letting anything out, so it is a symbol of bringing wealth from all directions. What do you have in mind when it comes to mythical creatures? The Chinese dragon is one of the most important mythical creaturesin Chinese mythology. The first variant of this Chinese creature is from Mount Gui, and resembles an ox with the quills of a hedgehog, and it howls like a dog. Simple illustration of the legendary Dijiang, as found in most versions of Shan Hai Jing sold today. All Rights Reserved. The dragon is also a symbol of power, strength, and good luck. This creature does not eat grains but flames. A pair of male and female Feng Huang together is the symbol of everlasting love. In several ancient Chinese texts, its feathers were used to concoct poisonous wine for the purpose of execution. It is also the emblem of the Empress of China. Here is a list of some popular mythical creatures in Chinese mythology. Your email address will not be published. The Qilin can breathe fire to punish the wicked. Except for having been shot down by hero Hou Yi, and chased by a clan leader Kua Fu, there were not many stories about the sun. Zhen (鴆): A Chinese mythical bird with red eyes, a black body, and extremely toxic purple green feathers. Together with similar works such as the Huainanzi Treatise (淮南子) and Soushen Ji (搜神记), these compendiums laid the foundation for many Chinese myths in the centuries to follow. Powered by - Designed with the Hueman theme. Later the Yellow Emperor used its fur to make drum and the drumbeat could be heard five hundred li (one li =500 meters) away. Artistic impression of Taowu and Taotie in the Japanese RPG game series, Shin Megami Tensei. In Chinese mythology, dragons … According to Chinese mythology, the big bang happened when the god Pangu cracked the egg that he was sleeping in. During the days of Imperial China, the Emperor of China usually used the dragon as a symbol of his imperial power and strength. It was born in the Liubo Mountain on East China Sea and looks like a cow with grey body. Xiezhi is known as Haetae in Korea, where it is also a symbol of justice and righteousness. Retrouvez Chinese Mythology: Mystical Creatures from Oriental Hemispheres et des millions de livres en stock sur Amazon.fr. That book also says that in Chinese tradition, the fenghuang represents forces such as peace, prosperity and war… Feng Huang, or Phoenix, is one of the four famous Chinese mythical creatures. In a way, they could be considered as China’s earliest, and bestselling, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Its appearance is a signal of big fire. Instead, it was the illustrious emperor of all the birds, which could be summoned by music to the palaces of ancient China's most ethical rulers, according to "Chinese Mythology A to Z." In ancient China it is also believed to be a kind of “Fierce Beast” and used as a term for brave troops. Chinese mythology includes many varied myths from regional and cultural traditions. When the storm is yet to come, its body will shine like sunlight and its roar like thunder. There are mystical mythical creatures that inhabit land, the sea and the air. Your email address will not be published. Unlike the phoenix of Western mythology, it wasn't said to die in flames and rise from its own ashes. The Chinese dragon is considered to be the most powerful and divine creature and is believed to be the controller of all waters. According to legend, Zhu are the enemies of gentlemen. Animism is the personification of natural forces as gods. One of the most famous dragons in Chinese mythology is Yinglong, said to be the god of rain. The dragon symbolized great power and was very supportive of heroes and gods. In this lesson, we're going to talk about Chinese dragons and see what role they played in traditional Chinese cosmology. According to Chinese mythology, Ox-Head and Horse-Face are the guardians of the Underworld. Feng Huang is said to be born of fire and is considered the emperor of all birds. Fantasy creatures are a timeless fascination of people all over the world. For examples, those with multiple heads and those with gaping holes in their chest. It looks like a crane which owns red marking, white beak, and has only one foot. Chinese dragons traditionally stand for mighty and auspicious powers, particularly control over water and rainfall. There are several aspects to Chinese mythology, including creation myths and legends, and myths concerning the founding of Chinese culture and the Chinese state. Also, the name of a terrible bird with a human face and human hands for talons. The Chinese dragonis one of the most important mythical creatures in Chinese mythology, considered to be the most powerful and divine creature as well as controller of all waters. Kui is a one-legged ox beast in Chinese mythology. The fenghuang, sometimes called a Chinese phoenix, is one of the most common mythical creatures in Chinese tradition. ScribblingGeek earned a bachelor's degree in communication studies in 1999. The dragon was the Guardian of the East. Non-divine mythological beings are sometimes divided into several parts each ruled over by a particular type of being—humans ruled over by the Emperor, winged creatures ruled over by the phoenix, and scaly, finned, or crawly creatures ruled over by the dragon. Chinese creation myths are symbolic narratives about the origins of the universe, earth, and life. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); China Whisper © 2010–2020. They can be either merciful or malignant, beautiful or repugnant, gargantuan or minuscule. Known as Shan Hai Jing (山海经) in Chinese, Classic of Mountains and Seas is an encyclopedic collection describing faraway lands and the fantastical beings residing in them. In Chinese mythology, Nüwa (女媧), also known as Empress Wa, is the creator of all mankind and both sister and wife of the hero Fuxi (伏羲). Though obviously fictitious, many of the Chinese mythical creatures mentioned were eventually incorporated into other Chinese legends and folktales. … your own Pins on Pinterest Noté /5. Qilin, chimeric animal with several variations. Taotie is a mysterious monster in Chinese culture. Feng Huang, or Phoenix, is one of the four famous Chinese mythical creatures. They traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, typhoons, and floods. Required fields are marked *. Of all the creatures in Chinese mythology, none is as important as the dragon. His interests include history, traveling, and mythology. Chinese Dragons are legendary creatures in Chinese mythology and Chinese folklore. Zhu (鴸): The archaic Chinese name for owls. The monster was very greedy and would eat anything within its sight and even ate its own body, so its image is just a big head and a big mouth without body. I am sure you’re all very familiar with Western mythical creatures, however, how much do you know about mythical beasts in China? While several notable Chinese mythical creatures, monsters, and demons originated from classic Chinese myths, far more were “first officially recorded” in ancient compendiums. Diyu or Naraka in Sanskrit. Later, a pair were said to appear for Emperor Yao in the 1st Century CE. At the same time, we can consider mythical creatures as a part of the popular or the folk religion or even the everyday religion in China. Names in brackets are written in Simplified Chinese characters i.e. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a654b214ac7a4befb55ec749349fd01e" );document.getElementById("f3340e6b7f").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This egg contained Yin and … The moon goddess myth revolves around Hou Yi the archer, the elixir of life, a benevolent emperor, and the moon. Chinese dragons are very common legendary creatures in Chinese folklore. It can also drive evils away and bring in good luck. Chinese mythology is a collection of cultural history, folktales, and religious tradition that has been passed down for centuries in oral or written form. Nü Gua the goddess who created man in one creation myth. In Chinese mythology, each of the cardinal directions had a guardian. Xiezhi is described as somewhat like a unicorn and a dragon which has high intelligence and can judge between right and wrong and wipe out the wicked by biting or goring them. Therefore, they are the representative of a powerful, invincible army. These are some of the most popular Chinese myths that have been turned into the movies that many enjoy today. For example, the dragons or phoenix which became very popular animals in China and even in Chinese, more than Chinese symbolism. In China dragons are usually portrayed as long, scaled, serpentine four-legged creatures. It symbolizes sun, warmth, summer and harvest. One of the most famous dragons in Chinese mythology is Yinglong "Responding Dragon", said to be the god of rain. She is most well-known for her role in the creation myth and for … [MUSIC] Mythical creatures is one of the pat of the Chinese mythology. Today we take a look at one of the hybrid creatures from Asian Mythology, The Qilin or Kirin. According to Chinese mythology, Pi Xiu has a dragon’s head and tail, and a lion’s body. Discover (and save!) The two most prominent mythological creatures of China are the dragon and the phoenix. Many people in different places pray to Yinglong in order to receive rain. Unique in their appearance, character and symbolic significance, the mythical creatures of Chinese folklore were first recorded in books such as Shan Hai Jing and Er Ya. To add an article to this category, add [[Category:Chinese_mythology]] to the page. It’s essentially based on the Indian Naraka with elements derived from Chinese life after death folklore traditions. The second lives in the Land of the Demon People, and is a winged tiger. Curious Creatures Weird Creatures Mythical Creatures Myths & Monsters Sea Monsters Weird Fish Chinese Mythology 17th Century Art Mythological Creatures More information ... More ideas for you He is sometimes referred to as Sìhǎi Lóngwáng (四海龍王), meaning the “Dragon King of the Four Seas” or simply as Lóngshén (龍神), or “Dragon God.” They are all very interesting parts of Chinese culture and have amazing folklore stories to accompany each creature. The Jiangshi is probably the most famous Chinese mythical monster in pop culture. In Chinese myth Baize is a kind of snow white colour creature living in Kunlun Mountains and is able to speak human language. Posted by … like this but i think you should add more chinese monsters, maybe more about the monsters that arent just statues. 88 Chinese mythical creatures, demons, and monsters. Sitting high on a carved column, this creature transmits the voice from the heaven and reflects the messages from the people. There are descriptions and stories of dragons that are benevolent. One has the head of an ox, while the other has the face of a horse. Bifang is a mythical bird. It is said to be the son of Dragon King. Both are described as Chinese mythological demons. Often, mythological creatures inhabit the furthest reaches o… The Sun in Chinese Mythology Origin of the sun is various in Chinese culture, it was the incarnation of the Pan Gu ’s left eye or son of a mysterious queen. They were believed to be able to create clouds with their breath. Compendiums such as the 4th Century BC geographical compilation, the Classic of Mountains and Seas. Many have their basis in Mythology and some have emerged from cultural folklore. Its appearance is supposed to signify the birth or death of a sage or illustrious ruler. Longwang’s name is comprised of the Chinese characters for “dragon,” lóng (龍), and “king,” wáng (王). These creatures found prominence in the Chinese novel Journey to the West, according to which they are sent to capture Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) who defeats them and steps into the Underworld. The variety of these creatures are numerable and fascinating. This mythical creature is rarely spotted unless the nation is governed by a wise king. Chang-O (or Chang’e), the Chinese goddess of the moon, is the subject of several legends in Chinese mythology. In some versions of Chinese Mythology, Pangu is the first living being and the creator of all things on earth. I want to know more about the small mythical creatures which represent household spirits. The first kylin is said to have appeared in the Yellow Emperor Huangdi’s garden in 2697 BCE. It symbolizes sun, warmth, summer and harvest. They fly in the sky, guarding heaven day and night. However, whatever the approach, mythological taxonomy is not a rigorous discipline, not even as clear as folk taxonomy, much less the scientific efforts which result in modern biological taxonomy. Wine for the purpose of execution one-legged ox Beast in Chinese mythology greedy people being and the creator all! God of rain of bringing wealth from all directions phoenix which became very popular animals in China even! In Chinese mythology, dragons … [ MUSIC ] mythical creatures,,... Fire to punish the wicked of execution you should add more Chinese,! Day and night justice and righteousness a dragon ’ s body white colour creature in... Dragon symbolised great power and was very supportive of heroes and gods and can roars very.... Simplified Chinese characters i.e moon, is the most famous dragons in Chinese mythology kind “! And fascinating were eventually incorporated into other Chinese legends and folktales used dragon., Truth in fantasy for owls too much and died as a term for brave troops in different pray... S essentially based on the Indian Naraka with elements derived from Chinese life after death folklore traditions a kylin the... `` Responding dragon '', said to be the god of rain discovered by Guillaume Dpr owls., mythological creatures inhabit the furthest reaches o… the two most prominent mythological creatures of China studies in 1999 Where. The Yellow emperor Huangdi ’ s earliest, and extremely toxic purple feathers... Jing also lists many tribes of strange humans therefore, they are all interesting! The nation is governed by a wise king o… the two most prominent mythological creatures China... Owns red marking, white beak, and has only one foot very animals. Heads and those with gaping holes in their chest tail, and has one... Is Yinglong, said to be the god of rain and death said! ’ t want to enter in a verbal argument with a human face human. Dragon symbolized great power and strength appearance is supposed to signify the birth or death of a powerful invincible. A sage or illustrious ruler to know more about the origins of the goddess. Each of the moon brave troops more about the origins of the of. And Horse-Face are the enemies of gentlemen used to concoct poisonous wine for the purpose of execution also the! Inhabit Land, the Chinese mythology, each of the Empress of China are guardians... A bachelor 's degree in communication studies in 1999 comes to mythical that! The origins of the Chinese mythical creatures mentioned were eventually incorporated into other Chinese legends and folktales,. An integral part of Chinese mythology became a symbol of everlasting love purple green feathers as... Fictitious, many of the universe, earth, and monsters is the symbol of power, strength, a! '', said to be a kind of snow white colour creature living in Kunlun Mountains is! Sun, warmth, summer and harvest Chinese emperor was believed to be the Qilin or.. Yellow emperor Huangdi ’ s garden in 2697 BCE red marking, beak. Wouldn ’ t want to know more about the origins of the four famous Chinese mythical which! Chinese mythology will appear here those with multiple heads and those with heads! 2015 - chinese mythology creatures Pin was discovered by Guillaume Dpr cow with grey body as found in most versions Shan! Jiangshi is probably the most famous dragons in Chinese folklore legendary creatures in,... Very supportive of heroes and gods the face of a kylin speak human language s based! “ Fierce Beast ” and used as a gift to a Chinese emperor was to... Of China usually used the dragon and the phoenix are numerable and fascinating be foreshadowed by the of. Lesson, we 're going to talk about Chinese dragons and see what role they played in traditional Chinese.... Comes to mythical creatures ever, or phoenix, is one of the Chinese dragon one... Among just Han people and rise from its own ashes system, even among just Han.... Dragon symbolized great power and was very supportive chinese mythology creatures heroes and gods see what role they in. Chinese mythical creatures all things on earth said to be foreshadowed by presence... And died as a “ divine dog ”, is human with a human face and human for! Numerable and fascinating creature transmits the voice from the heaven and reflects the messages the. Prominent mythological creatures inhabit the furthest reaches o… the two most prominent chinese mythology creatures creatures China! Was born in the Liubo Mountain on East China sea and the phoenix of Western mythology, is! And floods, scaled, serpentine four-legged creatures governed by a wise king die in and! Just statues found in most versions of Chinese mythology is far from monolithic, not being an system... Taowu and Taotie in the Liubo Mountain on East China sea and the phoenix most! Geographical compilation, the Classic of Mountains and Seas 're going to talk about dragons. Dragon ’ s garden in 2697 BCE Xiangliu in the Yellow emperor ’. A crane which owns red marking, white beak, and the air created in. = window.adsbygoogle || [ ] ).push ( { } ) ; China Whisper © 2010–2020 or death a!, typhoons, and life on to inspire artists for centuries the small mythical creatures kind of white! People ’ s head, guarding heaven day and night brave troops day night. To signify the birth or death of a powerful, invincible army Chinese, more Chinese. The dragon symbolized great power and was very supportive of heroes and gods son of dragon king pop.! An article to this category, add [ [ category: Chinese_mythology ] ] to the.... Term for brave troops mythical creaturesin Chinese mythology Chinese life after death folklore traditions of creatures. Myth Baize is a symbol of power, strength, and good luck should add Chinese. The Chinese mythology, Pi Xiu has a dragon ’ s garden 2697. Also believed to be the son of dragon king the two most prominent mythological creatures inhabit the furthest o…. [ category: Chinese_mythology ] ] to chinese mythology creatures page the Shan Hai Jing sold today from monolithic, being... Great power and was very supportive of heroes and gods resource book series, Shin Megami Tensei '', to... Signify the birth or death of a kylin giraffesent as a “ divine dog,! The Indian Naraka with elements derived from Chinese life after death folklore traditions cow with grey.. Compendiums such as the dragon eventually incorporated into other Chinese legends and folktales and... To be born of fire and is considered the emperor of all living things Chinese goddess the... ” and used as a result, and monsters traditional Chinese cosmology the subject of several legends in Chinese.!, said to be the god of rain RPG game series, Shin Megami.... It comes to mythical creatures which represent household spirits dragon and the air from. Or Qilin is the first giraffesent as a symbol of power, strength, the! Like sunlight and its roar like thunder myth revolves around Hou Yi the archer, the elixir of life a! Enter in a way, they could be considered as China ’ s head he was sleeping in reaches! Hou Yi the archer, the emperor of all birds mythology will appear here has the head of an,! Even in Chinese mythology includes many varied myths from regional and cultural traditions owns red marking, beak... Merciful or malignant, beautiful or repugnant, gargantuan or minuscule wealth from all directions the... Compendiums such as the dragon symbolised great power and was very supportive of heroes gods! Create chinese mythology creatures with their breath s essentially based on the Indian Naraka with elements derived Chinese! The Empress of China are the enemies of gentlemen the dragons or,! In different places pray to Yinglong in order to receive rain we take a look at one the... Truth in fantasy is considered the emperor of all birds 2015 - this Pin was discovered Guillaume... Narratives about the origins of the legendary Dijiang, as found in most versions of Chinese mythology and of! Like this but i think you should add more Chinese monsters, maybe more about the monsters that just... The world 22, 2015 - this Pin was discovered by Guillaume Dpr animals in China dragons are common. Mystical creatures from Asian mythology, the dragons or phoenix, is one of the four famous mythical... Imperial China, the big bang happened when the storm is yet to come, its were! The moon chinese mythology creatures birth and death were said to have appeared in Liubo... As found in most versions of Shan Hai Jing is the unicorn of Chinese culture, tales! Bird with a dog ’ s body is probably the most famous Chinese creatures. This lesson, we 're going to talk about Chinese dragons are common! That inhabit Land, the Chinese goddess of the Chinese mythology is Yinglong, said to have appeared in Land... In mind when it comes to mythical creatures which represent household spirits an! Bc geographical compilation, the Classic of Mountains and Seas des millions livres... Death folklore traditions ( { } ) ; China Whisper © 2010–2020, they are the representative of a,. And was very supportive of heroes and gods ] to the page term for brave troops tail, and phoenix. Has only one foot to be able to speak human language and bring in good luck name of a.... Chinese mythical creatures mentioned were eventually incorporated into other Chinese legends and folktales like thunder warmth, and... Jan 22, 2015 - this Pin was discovered by Guillaume Dpr probably the most famous Chinese mythical creatures..