Ox-Head and Horse-Face are two prominent guardians in Chinese mythology. As their names suggest, Ox-Head has the head of an ox, while Horse-Face has the face of a horse. According to Chinese mythology, they are the first entities that Chinese individuals encounter after death, and they help navigate dead souls to the underworld. In Vietnamese …
Mythical Creature Type
Panlong is a term that refers to an aquatic dragon in Chinese mythology. The dragon is known for its coiled body and is often depicted in ancient Chinese art. The term “Panlong” is derived from the Chinese words “pan” which means “coiled” and “long” which means “dragon”. In modern times, “Panlong” is also the title …
Penghou is a tree spirit from Chinese mythology and folklore. It is believed that two Chinese classics record similar versions of the Penghou myth. The Baize tu (白澤圖, “Diagrams of the White Marsh”), named after the White Marsh in Shaanxi, and the Shanhaijing (山海經, Classic of Mountains and Seas), a classic Chinese text describing mountains, …
The Pig Dragon is a fascinating artifact from the Hongshan culture of neolithic China. This zoomorphic jade artifact has a pig-like head and a limbless body that is coiled around to the head. The Pig Dragon is described as “suggestively fetal” and is a type of jade artifact that is unique to the Hongshan culture. …
Pixiu is a Chinese mythical creature that is believed to bring wealth, good fortune, and protection to its owners. It is often depicted as a strong, winged lion with a dragon’s head, and is considered a powerful protector of feng shui practitioners and the souls of the dead. Pixiu is also said to have a …
Qilin, also known as the Chinese unicorn, is a legendary creature in Chinese mythology. It is a chimerical creature that is said to appear with the imminent arrival or passing of a sage or illustrious ruler. Qilin is a specific type of the lin mythological family of one-horned beasts, and it is considered a symbol …
Rui Shi is an Assistant Professor in Chemical Engineering at the Pennsylvania State University. Her research interests are focused on the sustainability of engineered and natural systems. She is particularly interested in the interface between basic research and sustainability, and her research has been published in various peer-reviewed journals. Shi received her Ph.D. in Chemical …
Sha Wujing is a character from the Chinese novel “Journey to the West” written by Wu Cheng’en in the 16th century. He is one of the three disciples of the Buddhist pilgrim Tang Sanzang. Sha Wujing is known for his brute strength and his ability to transform into 18 different entities using his magic wooden …
Shenlong is a mythical creature that originates from Chinese mythology. The name Shenlong translates to “god dragon” or “divine dragon” in English. Shenlong is one of the most significant creatures in Chinese mythology and is considered to be the dragon god of the tempest and the master of rain. According to legend, Shenlong is capable …
Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, is a legendary figure in Chinese mythology. He is a trickster god who possesses incredible strength and supernatural powers. According to legend, Sun Wukong was born from a stone and acquired his powers through Taoist practices. In the classic novel “Journey to the West,” Sun Wukong plays …