Tiangou is a legendary creature from Chinese mythology that is often depicted as a black dog or meteor. According to legend, the Tiangou would eat the sun or moon during an eclipse. It is also believed to be a guardian of the gates of heaven and was often fought by supernatural heroes.
In Chinese culture, the Tiangou is associated with protection, tranquillity, and the moon. It is believed that the Tiangou can take on different forms, such as a white-headed fox or a black dog, depending on its purpose. The Tiangou is also one of the twelve totem creatures for which years are named, and it is a significant motif in Chinese mythology.
In Japanese mythology, the Tiangou is similar to the Tengu, a supernatural spirit who can be human or animal, good or bad, powerful or weak. The Tengu is known for teaching martial arts and fighting for the Buddhists. It has huge wings, red skin, and a long nose and can shapeshift, possess, and control the weather and wind.
Mythological Origins
Chinese Folklore
Tiangou is a legendary creature from Chinese folklore. It is often depicted as a black dog or meteor that is believed to eat the sun or moon during an eclipse. According to Chinese mythology, the Tiangou is a celestial being that possesses extraordinary powers and an insatiable appetite for devouring heavenly bodies.
The origins of the Tiangou can be traced back to ancient Chinese beliefs and folklore. It is said to have the appearance of a white-headed fox when it appears as a good spirit. The Tiangou is also known as the Heavenly Dog and is believed to have 72 different transmogrifications at his command to drive away evil spirits.
Heavenly Dog
The Tiangou is also referred to as the Heavenly Dog. As per Chinese mythology, it is a deity that is depicted as a black dog that eats the moon. It is believed that the Tiangou has the power to transform itself into different forms. The white-headed fox form of the Tiangou is considered rare and is believed to bring about peace and tranquillity and offers protection from harm.
In Chinese folklore, the Tiangou is often associated with transformation and change. It is believed that the Tiangou has the power to transform itself into any form it desires, which is why it is often depicted as a black dog or meteor. The Tiangou is considered a powerful creature that possesses immense strength and is revered in Chinese mythology.
Astronomical Significance
Tiangou, the Heavenly Dog, holds significant astronomical importance in Chinese mythology. Here are some of the astronomical significances of Tiangou.
Solar Eclipses
Tiangou is believed to eat the sun during a solar eclipse. According to Chinese mythology, when Tiangou devours the sun, it causes a solar eclipse. The celestial dog is also believed to eat the moon during a lunar eclipse. This belief is still prevalent in modern-day China, and many people still follow the tradition of making loud noises and banging drums to scare Tiangou away during an eclipse.
Historical Records
Historical records reveal that the Chinese people have been observing solar eclipses for over 4,000 years. The first recorded eclipse was in 2136 BC, during the reign of the legendary Emperor Zhong Kang. The Chinese kept detailed records of eclipses, and these records helped them predict future eclipses accurately. The records also helped them understand the astronomical significance of Tiangou, the Heavenly Dog.
In conclusion, Tiangou, the Heavenly Dog, has significant astronomical importance in Chinese mythology. The celestial dog’s association with solar and lunar eclipses has been prevalent in Chinese culture for thousands of years.
Cultural Impact
Literature
Tiangou, the celestial dog from Chinese mythology, has had a significant impact on literature. The creature is often featured in Chinese literature as a symbol of power and strength. In modern literature, Tiangou has been used as a metaphor for the power of gene editing and its potential impact on the future of agriculture.
Art
Tiangou has also been a popular subject in Chinese art. The celestial dog is often depicted as a black dog or meteor, which is thought to eat the sun or moon during an eclipse. This depiction has been used in various forms of art, including paintings, sculptures, and even tattoos.
One notable example of Tiangou’s impact on art is the pair of gene-edited super-muscly beagles called Tiangou, created in China back in 2015. The dogs were named after the celestial dog in Chinese myth and were featured in various art exhibitions and galleries.
In summary, Tiangou’s impact on literature and art has been significant. The creature has been used as a symbol of power, strength, and the potential impact of gene editing on agriculture. Its depiction as a black dog or meteor has been used in various forms of art, including paintings, sculptures, and even tattoos.
Modern References
Popular Media
Tiangou, the Heavenly Dog, has made appearances in various forms of popular media. The creature has been featured in a number of Chinese films, such as the 2006 movie “Curse of the Golden Flower” and the 2013 film “Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons”. In addition, Tiangou has been referenced in various TV shows, including the anime “Naruto” and the Chinese drama “The Journey of Flower”.
Space Missions
Tiangou has also been used as the name for a series of Chinese experimental satellites. The Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2 were both launched in 2011 and 2016 respectively, with the goal of testing the technology for a future Chinese space station. The name Tiangong translates to “Heavenly Palace” in English, but it is possible that the name was chosen in reference to the legendary creature Tiangou.
Overall, Tiangou continues to be a popular figure in both traditional folklore and modern culture.