Demons of ancient China. Chinese legends and mythical creatures

China is one of the most ancient and mysterious countries in the world. Its culture, beliefs and religions keep many secrets. The mystical and religious knowledge of this country is distinguished by its complexity and diversity. They intertwine, sometimes giving rise to very unusual and unique views on many areas of life and perception of a number of things.

Undoubtedly, this is also true for mystical knowledge about the other world and its inhabitants. Chinese Demon World very rich and varied. There are both local evil spirits and interpretations of demonic creatures that came from other religions.

To begin with, let's talk about the very view of the people of China and smoothly move on to the story of some of its inhabitants.

In traditional Chinese mythology, their underworld is called Diyu. Most often it is depicted in the form of an underground labyrinth. In these labyrinths there are chambers where the souls of sinners are kept.

In addition, there are sites where their trials take place and punishments are carried out. Each level of Diyu has its own judge. By the way, according to different versions of levels from 3 to 18. And each of them is provided for certain sins.

Souls suffer in hell until they atone for their guilt, undergoing terrible torture. But after serving their sentence, they are reborn again. It is interesting that Diyu has a capital and a strict administrative division. In general, the underground, as well as the heavenly worlds, are strictly structured and the role of officials in them is key.

Actually, many deities and their minions who are in Diyu are sometimes considered as demons. However, they are not the only ones. Here we present a number of the most famous demons in China.

Let's start with Longwang, he can be classified as both a deity and a demon. He is the lord of the water element. Three deities served him:

thunder god Leigong;
rain god Yushi;
god of the wind Fengbo.

Most often, Longwang appeared in the form of a dragon and was distinguished by its enormous size.

According to early texts, Longwang is a creature that stands out among other dragons for its extraordinary size.

Ruo Shui is a special river under Mount Kunlun, it separated the kingdoms of the living from the kingdom of the dead. Don't be surprised, every river in China had its own spirit. So it can be considered a living being.

By this river, by the way, lived the mistress of the potion of immortality, Xi Wangmu, she was also the ruler of the Western Paradise.

Zhang Tianshi - according to the inhabitants of ancient China, was the main magician and commanded demons. In addition, he was a heavenly mentor.

Zhong Kui was recognized as the Lord of Demons, and he was also considered the supreme judge of the underworld.

Another of the lords of the underworld, Yanwan, is also the chief investigator of the underworld. His tasks included studying the earthly life of the dead. After completing the investigation, he determined which of the ten courts the soul should be sent to for trial.

It is interesting that not everyone was punished by the Tsar-Judges. Eight were engaged in establishing punishment, but two provided bodies into which souls were reincarnated.

The following demonic beings in China should also be mentioned:

Of course, the above list is not complete and can be supplemented for a very long time. But at least it depicts part of the demon and spirit world of China.

Red ribbon

Around midnight, one doctor, having just finished his duty in the emergency room, was getting ready to go home. Approaching the elevator doors, he saw a young nurse standing next to him. They got into the same elevator and began to go down together, but when they reached the first floor, the elevator did not stop, but continued to move. When the elevator reached floor B3 and the doors opened, the doctor and nurse saw a little girl who, with her head down, said that she wanted to get on the elevator. The doctor, hearing this, immediately closed the elevator doors. The nurse asked in surprise why he did not let the girl enter the elevator. The doctor replied: “The morgue is located on floor B3 in our hospital. It is customary for us to tie a red ribbon on each body’s right hand. This girl had a red ribbon on her arm!” The nurse, after listening, slowly raised her right hand and grinned: “Do you mean this tape?”

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Meat porridge

Evening, 11:00.

I looked out the window somewhat irritably. The financial report was only three quarters ready, but it was already so late! I put the papers in a bag, intending to finish the work at home.

I stroked my stomach, rumbling with hunger, and sighed heavily. At home, my wife had probably already gone to bed. You will need to stop at some 24-hour diner along the way.

I grabbed the keys to the moped and quickly went out into the darkness.

I quickly drove my iron horse through the night streets. For some reason their appearance made me sad.

To take a shortcut, I decided to drive through a small, semi-abandoned settlement.

Entrance to the village.

The enticing smell of food tickled my nostrils, and my empty stomach made a loud sound.

I stopped the moped and began to look around.

Although I have very good eyesight, it took me a lot of effort to see the small brazier that almost blended into the darkness of the night.

I started the moped and went to her. The closer I got, the stronger the smell became, and the hungrier I felt. I was so hungry that I could probably devour the whole bull.

I coughed twice and asked, “What are you selling?”

Impatiently, I sat down at the table and ordered one cup.

The hawker apparently had the porridge ready, and she immediately handed me my order. Although she turned to face me, I still couldn’t see her face, but it seemed to me that there was something... otherworldly in her eyes.

But at that moment, the thought of food occupied my entire head, I threw away empty thoughts, took a pair of disposable chopsticks and hastily began to eat.

How fragrant! I felt a delicious taste in my mouth. Unable to resist, I asked: “Mistress, what kind of meat is this cooked from?”

Incredible! Even I know that boiled pork will never give such a taste!

I didn’t ask again, but simply surrendered to enjoying the dish.

After finishing eating, I put five yuan under my cup, deciding to come back here tomorrow. I already forgot what detour I had to make to come across this tray.

Suddenly the hawker stood right in front of me. She said slowly, “You seem to have recovered.” I answered cheerfully: “Probably! You fed me so deliciously!”

At that moment, I clearly noticed the greed flashing in her eyes. She looked at me somehow frighteningly. “What... what are you doing?” She grabbed a large knife from behind her back; my pale face was reflected in its coldly sparkling blade.

I also clearly heard the crunch of breaking bones and the squelching of meat being cut from them.

On a black night, so black that the tips of his fingers were not visible, Xiaowan, shaking from the cold and fearfully looking around, walked along the road. He was stopped by the alluring smell of food and a dull voice said from the darkness: “Meat porridge, five yuan, meat porridge.”

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A guy who always dreamed of seeing the world one day during the holidays fulfilled his wish by going on a trip. Since he did not have much money with him, he stayed overnight in cheap inns.

One day turned out to be cloudy, so at 6 o’clock it was already dark.

The guy quickly found, although it looked a little gloomy, but a clean and quite cozy shelter. Its owner was a man about 60 years old. In addition to the owner's room, there were 3 more guest rooms in the house. The owner said that there was already a guest in the last room, so the guy could choose one of the two remaining ones. The guy looked at both rooms and chose the middle, neater one.

After washing, the guy discovered that it was already nine. Tired from the whole day, he fell asleep only with his head on the pillow. But, having slept for a short time, he was awakened by some strange noise. The guy knocked on the wooden partition, shouting: “Neighbor, be quiet!” - but this seemed to have no effect. Then he discovered a hole in the partition, eaten by ants; it was quite large. Looking into it, he saw a girl standing with her back to him, dancing and humming something.

He watched for a while, then realized that she was going to turn around, and hid, but thought: “She still won’t see that I’m watching her,” and again he clung to the hole. But there was something red in the hole. The guy thought: “She probably discovered me, so she covered the hole with some red clothes.” He looked through the hole again, but the red robe was still there, so he abandoned his intention and went back to sleep.

In the morning, waking up as soon as it was dawn, the guy washed himself and ran to the owner. Having asked him: “Has the girl who lived in the room next to me already left?”, he received the answer: “She? This is my daughter. But she committed suicide three years ago. It’s true that she’s good, she’s never done harm to people.” The guy, hearing this, was scared to death, but then decided that if the girl didn’t harm anyone, then it didn’t matter. He then asked the owner, “Why did she commit suicide?” The owner replied: “She couldn’t stand it... She was the most beautiful girl in the village, but she had one flaw that humiliated her very much, so she couldn’t stand it...”

"What's the drawback?" - the guy asked. “She had red eyes,” the owner answered him.

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Red shirt:

One day, leaving the house, a stranger approached the man and said that something bad would happen to him, that he would crash his car. Then the man asked the stranger how to avoid this. The stranger said, take your white clothes, throw them under the wheels, and tear them up, and when you get into the car, put on only red ones. The man did not listen to the stranger, and soon he died in an accident.

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School where students disappear:

There is a very old school in our city. Before it became a school, during the Sino-Japanese War, there was a military point here, with many secret passages. After the war, this place was rebuilt into a school. Sometimes students went to school and did not return, many think that they found those very secret passages and cannot go back.

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Teacher:

This happened about nine years ago: there was a music teacher at our school. But one day on the fifth floor of our school, she hanged herself (I don’t know the exact reason) after this incident, every month on the fifth floor, a woman’s crying and playing the piano can be heard.

*´¨`* .¸¸. *´¨`* .¸¸. *´¨`* .¸¸. *

Midnight Bus:

Beijing Midnight Bus: At the stroke of midnight, a young man boarded the bus. But halfway through the journey, the only passenger, accusing him of theft, forcibly pulled him out of the bus. He later realized that this man saved his life. (In 1995, all the newspapers wrote about one incident: a bus disappeared without a trace, and they still can’t find it)

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"Forgive me, my treasure":

This story happened in ZheJiang province: Near one office, a boy died in an accident. After this incident, at the same time, but on all channels and radio waves in the office, the same Music “forgive me, my treasure” is playing.

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Ao is a giant turtle swimming in the sea in ancient Chinese mythology. It is often claimed that on her back there are three sacred mountains - Yingzhou, Penglai and Fangzhang, where the immortals live.

Ao plays an important role in the widespread legend of the repair of the sky, which exists in a number of versions - for example, recorded in the Huainanzi collection of 139 BC. or in the collection “Lunheng” ca. 80 AD, and also in the later book of Le-tzu. These legends say that when the four pillars on which the sky rests were broken (according to one version, during the battle of the gods), in order to save the earth from heavenly fire and flood, the goddess Nuwa collected stones of five different colors, melted them and patched up the holes in the firmament through which water and fire poured onto the earth. Then she cut off the legs of the giant turtle "ao", and placing them at the corners of the earth, supported the sky with them. Thus, as Lionel Giles notes, "the Chinese Atlas was a giant sea turtle."

According to Le Tzu, Nüwa was not the only one who caught Ao’s turtle. The supreme deity ordered the sea god Yuqiang to send fifteen Ao turtles to alternately support with their heads and hold in place the five mountains floating in the ocean, on which the immortals lived. But the giant from the country of Lunbo caught six of them and took them home to tell fortunes. As a result, two mountains - Daiyu (岱輿) and Yuanjiao (員嶠) - floated north and drowned. The other three island mountains remained afloat, supported by the remaining turtles. And as punishment for the damage caused by the giant, God significantly reduced the size of both the Lunbo country itself and its inhabitants.

Baijie or Hakutaku is a fantastic creature in the Chinese and Japanese mythological pantheon.

According to Chinese legends, the magical beast Baijie was met by the Heavenly Lord (Yellow Emperor) Huang Di while traveling on the seashore. Outwardly, Baijie looked like a horned lion, spoke human language and was exceptionally smart. He told Huang Di about all 11,520 varieties of evil spirits living in the mountains, forests, rivers and lakes of the Celestial Empire. No one, including the Heavenly Lord, possessed such complete knowledge of demons, monsters, spirits, demons and other representatives of supernatural beings as the wonderful beast Baijie.

At the direction of Huang Di, images were made of all 11,520 monsters, ghosts and spirits in the Heavenly Office.

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Bixi is a cross between a Chinese dragon and a Chinese tortoise, one of the "Nine Sons of the Dragon" in Chinese mythology.

Bixi's habits are traditionally described as "bixi love to carry heavy things" (赑屃喜负重, bixi xi fu zhong), and therefore in Chinese architecture they usually appear in the form of a gigantic long-eared, toothy and/or shaggy turtle carrying a stele with an important text. In different variants, such turtles are found both in China and in neighboring countries: Vietnam, Korea, Mongolia and even in Russia (two turtles from Ussuriysk in the Primorsky Territory).

In ancient Chinese traditions, the turtle was often a symbol of fabulous longevity; its form was associated with the structure of the universe; The closeness to the divine attributed to turtles led to their use for fortune telling. All these factors could serve as the basis for choosing a turtle as a symbolic creature, in whose image and likeness structures designed to last forever should be built. Some Western authors have also expressed the opinion that the motif of the turtle-pedestal is associated with the traditional Indian image of a turtle holding on its back an elephant on which the whole world rests.

Other Chinese names used for these stone turtles are “guifu” (龟趺) and “basia” (霸下). Most often, however, a monument of this type is described simply as a “stele carried by a turtle” (龟驮碑, “guifu bei”).

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Ludong is a mythical animal in Chinese mythology that can detect truth and has knowledge of all the languages of the world. Outwardly it resembles the legendary qilin beast; it has one horn on its forehead. It moves at very high speed; in a day, a ludun can travel 18 thousand li (more than 9 thousand kilometers).

In the Summer Palace of the Chinese emperors there are two incense burners with enamel images of luduns. Thus, the rulers of the Qing Empire, particularly the Qianlong, wanted to emphasize the emperor's power to distinguish between truth and falsehood in his subjects.

Ludong was the official Chinese symbol of openness and impartial adherence to the law, and was popularly considered a symbol of good luck and good weather.

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Yaoguai or Yaojing is a Chinese term that usually means demon, ghost, monster. Yaoguai are basically werebeasts, the evil spirits of dead animals that were mistreated in life and returned for vengeance, or fallen celestial beings that acquired magical powers through the practice of Taoism. Their main goal is to achieve immortality and thus divinity. In Journey to the West, demons typically seek this by kidnapping and devouring holy people (in this case, Xuanzang).

Some yaoguai are of very unusual origin. In the case of Bai Gu-jing, it is the skeleton of a woman who has become a demon. Many yaoguai are fox shapeshifters, or according to Journey to the West, pet deities. There are also yaoguai kings (mo-wans) who command a number of lesser demonic minions.

In Chinese folklore, hell (Diyu) is a place that is filled with various evil spirits. The images of most of these monsters were influenced by Indian demonology - rakshasas, yakshas and, therefore, have some similarities with the Japanese oni.

The term "yaoguai" was borrowed by the Japanese, in Japanese it sounds like yokai; the native Japanese equivalent, sometimes written with the same characters, is "mononoke".

Famous yaoguai in Chinese mythology:

Bai gu-ching - female skeleton, literally "white bone spirit"

Nu Mo-wan is the bull-headed demon prince.

Pipa Jing and Jiutou Zhiji Jing are characters from the novel Fengshen Yanyi (Rising to the Rank of Spirits).

Sun Wukong often uses this term to insult his demonic opponents.

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Chinese phoenix

The Chinese phoenix - in Chinese mythology, a miracle bird, as opposed to the Chinese dragon, embodies the feminine principle (yin), is a symbol of the south. Her appearance to people is a great sign that can testify to the power of the emperor or foreshadow a significant event.

The Shouwen dictionary compiled during the Han Dynasty about fenghuan says that this bird has “the beak of a rooster, the crop of a swallow, the neck of a snake, the patterns on the body are like a dragon, the tail of a fish, the front is like a swan, the back is like a unicorn Qi Lin, the back of a turtle " Her height reaches three meters.

According to Chinese beliefs, fenghuang was seen before the death of the Yellow Emperor. The last time it was observed was at the grave of the father of the founder of the Ming Dynasty in 1368.

･✻･ﾟ･✻･ﾟﾟ･✻･ﾟ･✻･ﾟﾟ･✻･ﾟ･✻･ﾟﾟ

Kui is a multi-valued character in ancient Chinese mythology

In the Shan Hai Jing (Book of Mountains and Seas) it is described as a one-legged ash-blue bull that has no horns and has the ability to walk unhindered on the surface of the sea, causing the sky to instantly become clouded with rain clouds and a storm to break out. The commentary to the Narrative of the Kingdoms (c. 4th century BC) mentions that the Kui can speak, has a human face, a monkey's body and a single hind leg. In some ancient sources, kuy is represented as a one-legged dragon, a drum-like creature, or a spirit of trees and stones that lives in the mountains. Subsequently, in classical texts, the image of the Kuya-monster merged with the name of Kuya, the legendary musician who invented music and dance under the mythical Emperor Shun, and the word Kui-Nu was used to name a wild yak or buffalo.

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In addition to the kuya (夔), there are other one-legged creatures in Chinese mythology. In particular, Carr compares kuya to chi (螭 - "hornless dragon, mountain demon)" and hui (虺 - "snake; python)".

Two other characters named Kui in Chinese folklore are Kui Xing 魁星 "dwarf god of examinations" and Zhong Kui (鍾馗 - "defeer of ghosts and demons").

The one-legged kuy has even more parallels in comparative mythology, among characters whose name contained the phrase “one leg”:

Empusa is a monstrous ghost in Greek mythology.

Ippon-datara (本踏鞴) is a one-legged mountain spirit in Japanese mythology.

Patasola is a humanoid vampire in Colombian folklore.

Sasi is a one-legged black boy spirit from Brazilian folklore.

Scyapods (Sciapods) are one-legged people with huge feet in Greek mythology.

Fomorians are one-eyed, one-armed and one-legged characters from Irish mythology.

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The mythology of every nation is unique. It reflects the mentality of the nation, worldview, cultural and historical characteristics. Korean and Chinese mythical creatures are an important part of the cultural heritage of the Middle Kingdom and Korea. They are popular both in the country and throughout the world.

Chinese dragon

The moon serpent or Chinese is the “face” of the mythology of this ancient people. He is considered the most widespread and recognizable hero of the myths and legends of the Celestial State throughout the world. Within Chinese culture, there are a large number of legends and myths, the events of which are connected with stories about dragons.

Traditional Chinese philosophy is based on the concept of balance of elements. She is depicted in the form known to the whole world, where Yin is cold, calm, feminine energy, and Yang is hot, passionate, masculine.

The image of the Chinese dragon is the personification of Yang energy, which carries strength, power, fire, and creation.

Since ancient times, the Chinese have revered and worshiped dragons. The moon serpent has great significance in Chinese culture:

People in Korea and China praised the wisdom and mercy of this mythical creature. They turned to him for help and protection.
It has always been considered a symbol of power in Korea and China, as well as in some states where Islam is widespread. It was believed that a real Chinese emperor should have a birthmark in the shape of a dragon. Only such a ruler will be able to wisely manage the destinies of his subjects and lead the people to prosperity.
The mythical serpent is considered the patron of fertility. To ensure a good harvest, a person presented gifts and asked for rain.

Description of appearance

According to Korean and Chinese legends and myths, the dragon looks like a snake, the length of which reaches more than 300 m. It has tiger paws, and its entire body is covered with scales. It is believed that there are a total of 117 scales on the body of the Chinese dragon. In the philosophy of the Celestial Empire, 117 is a sacred number. Dragon scales can be red, blue, green, gold, black or white.

The snake has an elongated muzzle with large eyes, reminiscent of a rabbit's in shape. Ears like those of a cow - a sacred oriental animal. The moon serpent also has a mustache and a long beard. Despite the fact that the Chinese dragon does not have wings, it is capable of flight and moves only in the sky.

Some especially powerful snakes are able to take on human form. Korean fairy tales and legends describe him as not a being but an essence, a spirit.

Types of Chinese dragons

Throughout the history of the development of Chinese civilization, a large number of types of sacred dragons have been invented within the framework of its mythology. They differ in their significance for the people, strength, and appearance.

The main breeds of Chinese dragons include the most influential and powerful creatures.

There are four of them in total. Among them:

The Tianlong heavenly dragon is considered the strongest and most majestic. This is a huge snake with golden scales and a fiery beard. He patronizes emperors and powerful rulers. Whatever Tianlong touches instantly turns into real gold.
Dilong is a dragon. He is able to change the direction of currents, sink or save ships. The mood of this dragon determines the behavior of the water. If Dilong is in a good mood, then the sea is calm. But if he is angry, then a storm rages.
A dragon lives underground, guarding precious stones and countless treasures of the underworld. His name is Fucanglong. There is a large pearl in the beard of this serpent, which represents his wealth and power. Futsanglong is capable of causing earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
A divine dragon named Yinglong is responsible for the weather. He has control over winds, rain, thunder and lightning, clouds and many other weather phenomena. Since ancient times, people have turned to Yinglong asking for rain for the harvest or sunny weather.

Nine sons of the dragon

The image of a dragon is especially popular in Asia in traditional architecture. The moon serpent is a frequent and important element of the decor of any rich house, temple or palace in the Middle Kingdom. It is believed that the image of this mythical creature brings good luck, wealth, happiness and prosperity to the house, and protects its inhabitants from any troubles and illnesses.

Within the framework of traditional Chinese architecture, the main images of guardian dragons were formed. The list of these images is popularly called the “nine sons of dragons.” It includes the following creatures:

One of the most popular elements of Chinese decoration is the dragon called Bixi. According to legends, Bisi has incredible physical strength, which is why he is depicted at the base of columns and steles. It makes the house stable and protects it from the influence of bad weather, natural phenomena and more.
The image of a snake's head can often be found on the edges of the roof of a Chinese house. This beast is called Chiven. It is able to protect the house from negative energy, the envy of other people, and illnesses.
The bell crown is often depicted in the form of a dragon called Pulao. He is considered the noisiest snake.
Above the entrance to the prison you can find images of Bian - a dragon that resembles a tiger. He is distinguished by his justice and respects the law.
The head of the voracious serpent Taote was depicted on ritual vessels for sacrifices.
The image of a water dragon named Basia is one of the main decorations of ancient Chinese bridges, piers, etc.
Yazi is a cruel and bloodthirsty snake, which is depicted on the handles of traditional Chinese weapons.
The legs of some chairs are depicted in the form of a seated Suanni dragon.
The image of the Jiaotu dragon can be found in the form of door handles on the front doors of houses. This creature prefers peace and does not like to be disturbed over trifles.

Dragon Boat Festival

To worship the power of the Chinese serpent, there is an annual dragon boat festival, which is originally called Duan-wu. On this day, the Chinese organize large-scale festivals, decorate boats, hold rowing competitions, eat traditional Chinese dishes and present gifts to powerful snakes asking for protection and support.

China has been using a calendar based on the lunar cycle for many thousands of years. The day of the Duanwu holiday is determined using this ancient calendar. It is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the fifth month.

Chinese Phoenix or Fenghuang

Magic birds Fenghuang in Chinese tradition is the personification of the cold feminine principle: Yin. It is of great importance for the people of Asia, because its appearance before people means quick and very important changes for the entire people. She is the harbinger of a peaceful and happy time.

The image of the Chinese is still very popular in art. Its description can be found not only in ancient myths, but also in poems, modern books, images on clothes and dishes, etc.

Appearance of a mythical bird

According to ancient Chinese legends, the characteristic features of the phoenix bird are:

motley plumage;
cock's beak;
snake neck;
swan head;
various ornaments on the body;
long multi-colored tail.

The main colors of Fenghuang feathers are black, blue, yellow, white and red.

Giant turtle Ao

One of the leading roles in the mythology of ancient China is played by the image of a giant named Ao, who wanders the sea. She appears in many famous legends. In one of them, Ao supported the firmament when the supports that held it were broken. In another legend, on the back of a huge sea turtle there are 3 sacred island-mountains on which immortal people live:

Yingzhou;
Fangzhang;
Penline.

You can also hear about the turtle Ao in many ancient proverbs and sayings of the Celestial Empire.

Chinese unicorn Qilin

The Qilin is one of the four most significant Chinese magical creatures, along with the dragon, the Fenghuang bird and the Ao sea turtle. It is a symbol of longevity, strength, prosperity, happiness and peace. Lives for several thousand years.

His body is made up of parts belonging to different animals. Features of the appearance are:

the presence of several horns;
skin covered with green scales;
horse body with deer hooves;
serpent-moon head;
short tail, like a bear's.

Mythology is a science that studies myths, tales about gods and heroes, revealing the essence of people’s views on the world order in ancient times, when there was no scientific knowledge yet.

Civilization between the two major Far Eastern rivers, the Yangtze and Yellow River, began in the 2nd millennium BC. China occupied an isolated position for a very long time, so their spiritual culture is original, it practically does not experience the influence of foreign cultures, it is original and excitingly entertaining.

Here it is impossible to meet beautiful deities similar to the mythology in Ancient Greece or Rome, but its characters are bright and lively, striking the imagination with their vitality and indomitable energy.

Some mythical heroes became real people for the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire, and historical figures after their death became deities and titans. It is precisely this confusion that prevents scientists today from accurately determining where reality is and where fantasy is. Chinese myths have survived to this day in an extremely fragmented, fragmentary state, but nevertheless they are no less interesting than

The image of a dragon in Chinese mythology

The Chinese dragon, known throughout the world, is the personification of the uncontrolled natural elements, absolute worldly power, and the supreme deity. The dragon in China is not a scary creature at all, it is a symbol of goodness and peace, harmony and prosperity. In almost every building you can find images of these creatures.

In China, Dragon Day is celebrated on the fifth of May according to the European calendar.

In ancient times, the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire believed that the dragon lives not only on earth, but freely flies into the skies and descends into the depths of the sea. But in any case, this mythological creature is a messenger of goodness and peace, as well as a link between the world of people and the world of the Gods.

Since ancient times, emperors were called the Sons of Heaven, which means they were considered direct descendants of the Dragon Family.

The Legend of the Birth of Dragons

Among other things , dragons are the guardians of ancient traditions: they symbolize parental love and veneration of ancestors.

Interestingly, their ancestor was an earthly woman named Lunmu. She raised five sons who became models of devoted relationships between mother and children.

One day this woman was walking along the river bank and found a large white stone. Arriving home, she saw that it was a huge egg. It warmed up in her house and five little lizards hatched from it. The woman felt sorry for the children left without a mother. She fed them and looked after them, but over time these little lizards turned into huge dragons.

But they did not leave the woman who gave them her warmth, but cared for her and were grateful for her love.

Types of dragons

Even in the 21st century in China they believe in mythological creatures, and pass on from generation to generation tales and myths about their ancestors - dragons. Not all of them are the same and, according to experts, perform different functions.

The heavenly dragon is Tianlong, he guards the peace of the deities, so he is often depicted with wings. It has five toes and is often depicted in white, which is a symbol of holiness, or lapis lazuli, which is considered a symbol of compassion and mercy.
The lords of the elements are Shanlun, they command thunder and lightning, control the winds and can influence the weather. These creatures are often depicted with a human face and a huge, drum-like belly. This dragon does not fly, but floats across the vault of heaven. And thanks to its ultramarine hue, it merges with the skies. It is extremely difficult to see, but if you are lucky in this, you can receive the special favor of the gods. If you offend Shanlun, it could result in drought or flood.
Dilong dragons live in the deepest rivers in magnificent palaces, they control water flows and are responsible for the harvest.
Deep in the bowels of the earth lives Futsanglong, the owner and guardian of all underground wealth.
Yellow dragons listen to the complaints and requests of people and, if necessary, bring them to the ears of the Gods.
Scarlet dragons are the patron of marriage and childbirth, they are often depicted on the wedding clothes of men and women, and their images are placed in bedrooms.
Grassy-green dragons are responsible for agriculture and cattle breeding; they patronize peasants and monitor the safety of their fields and herds.

Frog in Chinese mythology

China is probably the only country in which frogs were so revered, and this worship continues to this day. Large and small statues of these amphibians could be found in every home and even in the imperial palace.

Frogs, according to the ancient Chinese, are representatives of the highly revered water element; they could cause rain at will, which is why you can often find an image of a green frog on ritual drums.

Frogs can predict floods, and their eggs fall from the sky along with the dew, so another name for the frog is the Heavenly Hen. It was believed that the ancient female deity Nyu-wa was represented in the form of a huge frog.

In addition to all of the above, it is the frog that is associated with fire and the preservation of the hearth. She loves her numerous offspring, so she protects large families and honors the memory of her ancestors. Hieroglyphs with its image can be found in the concepts of “water element” and “fertility”, and “memory of centuries”

Although the moon and the frog are closely connected in mythology, only women worshiped the luminary, and men brought gifts and sacrifices to a huge frog, women did not have the right to this, although the frog protects family ties and keeps the hearth intact.

The Myth of Chaos and the Creation of the Universe

The oldest myths of any civilization are tales of the birth of the Universe. At the beginning, the world was in complete Chaos: everything was confused in it. There was no land, no water, no firmament, complete darkness and emptiness. Then the waters appeared; ancient myths speak of a “watery Chaos”, from which two great deities emerged.

This was the beginning of the world, because at that moment the earth and water were separated. One of the deities was the great Pangu, it was he who gave birth to the natural elements and all living things that inhabit the earth. As he matured and grew, with his sighs wind and rain began to be born, and with his exhalations, thunderstorms and lightning, the sunshine emanated from his eyes, and when the great Pangu fell asleep, the earth was enveloped in darkness.

Mythological world

The world, in the minds of the ancient Chinese, is mountains and rivers, rivers and mountains. Steppes, forests, plains did not play any role in their minds. They talked about earth in the sense of “heaps of earth,” connecting earth with water.

The mountains were inhabited by mythological creatures - mountain spirits. They were usually depicted as one-legged, one-eyed, crooked, one-armed, i.e. devoid of any symmetry. Some had two heads, while others combined the features of both humans and animals.

In the depths of Mount Taishan lived the most formidable spirit - the deity of the underworld, the master of the dead and the keeper of underground wealth. In the lower mountain kingdom there is a whole world, which can be reached through deep caves, but finding a way out of there is extremely difficult.

Rivers and reservoirs were also inhabited by spirits, but unlike mountain ones, they were divided according to gender . It was possible to meet both male and female patrons of reservoirs, most often these were drowned people, about whom legends and traditions began to be told.

For example, the patroness of the LO River was Fu-Xi LO, who died in it, the daughter of the legendary Fu-Xi, the progenitor of people, who appears in Chinese mythology in the form of a demiurge.

Tales of the Demiurges

A special place among mythological characters is occupied by real historical figures, who over time received the status of semi-divinities and heroes - demiurges, who endowed people with the skills necessary for survival.

So, for example, the ancestor Fu-Xi invented fishing gear and taught people to fish and feed themselves, Sui-Ren taught how to make fire and use it, Shei-nun was the first farmer, the inventor of the usual spade, and it was from him that the veneration of the earth as fertile came and fertile essence. In addition, he taught people to find places to dig wells, use the power of medicinal herbs, and exchange surplus food. The great Huang Di invented the wheel, and from him came the first means of transportation: carts, chariots, and carriages. He is depicted as a huge and very strong man, and there are many myths in which he is depicted as a skilled marksman, a wonderful artisan and a brave warrior.

Rong Chen laid the foundation for chronology, created the first calendar, and was also the creator of Fr. The Chinese believed that it was capable of restoring youth to any person, restoring hair color, eliminating wrinkles, and making arms and legs fast and dexterous. According to legend, he returns to earth every 1010 years.

Young Yu is the suppressor of the global flood, with which he fought for 13 years. This mythical creature, half-man, half-dragon, was created to save humanity.

In addition, all these representatives of spiritual culture also possessed important skills: they made pottery, musical instruments, which in ancient times was considered a very important and almost divine craft, they made fabrics and sewed clothes.

Mythical sacred animals

When the world was still very young, people endowed animals with totemic traits, and also believed that some animals protect the human race, and some, on the contrary, harm people. Mythological consciousness is closely connected with religious consciousness, only at the dawn of the emergence of religions, so animals were endowed with anthropomorphic features. Thus, in Chinese mythology, the sacred animals that protect the four cardinal directions were:

A green dragon guarding the eastern borders of the earth. He was depicted in bright green colors because he was the personification of spring. In addition, he was depicted on military banners, since they firmly believed that he brings happiness, good luck and faith in victory. In homes he was depicted on the doors, as he protected the spirit of the house.
The Great Bai-Hu is a white tiger, a representative of the kingdom of the dead, protecting the spirits of the dead and not allowing the shadows of the living into the world. He was often depicted on funeral veils and chariots.
The Phoenix bird, dying and being reborn to life, guarded the empire from the south. This amazing creature with the neck of a swan, the head of a man, the eyes of an eagle, and the body of an amphibian predicted a harmonious existence for the country.
A huge turtle, holding a snake on its powerful back, guarded the gate from the north and was the patroness of waters and winds.

Demons and monsters

Of course, demonic entities were also widely represented in Chinese mythology:

The progenitor of the entire demonic class was the formidable Zhong Ku or club, and he was depicted in the form of a bright red club. He was considered the patron saint of entrance and exit, and images of him were pasted on both sides of entrance doors. It was believed that it was he who passed judgment on the souls of the dead.
The terror of Yanwan or the prince is the lord of the underworld of the dead, after the trial of the soul, he made a decision on punishment and sent it to one of ten judges and executioners, eight of them carried out the punishment, and two gave the souls new bodies for rebirth to the earthly life. The ancient Chinese believed that terrible tortures awaited sinners in the other world: they were forced to swallow molten iron and gold, ground between millstones, boiled in boiling oil, etc.
Numerous werewolves Gui are the souls of those who died an unrighteous death, killed before their time or suicides, people whose souls are not accepted by the earth. They wandered around abandoned buildings, near churchyards, at old intersections and frightened passers-by, but sometimes they could cause more serious trouble.
Xiao-Yang - huge giants - cannibals, caught lost travelers, but since they were very stupid, a smart and dexterous person could easily deceive them.
Kitsune foxes were werewolves, they could be kind, or they could be very cruel and vengeful. They knew how to take on a human form and avert the eyes of any person. They often fell in love with earthly people and entered into marriage with them, helped them achieve wealth and greatness, but if they were angered by something, they did not calm down until they destroyed the entire family of the person who offended them.

Any mythology is of great interest for study, especially one as ancient and extensive as the mythology of the Celestial Empire, which originated more than five thousand years ago.

The mythology of the peoples of Asia, who lived more than nine thousand years ago in the most ancient centers of civilizations - Ancient Iran, India, China and Japan, is a wonderful monument of universal human culture. Because the life of ancient man was subject to centuries of repeated agricultural cycles, the pantheons of many Eastern religions included dying and resurrecting gods. Widespread eastern religions and teachings - Buddhism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, etc. - which interpreted these issues differently, according to myths, agreed that the righteous must acquire an immortal soul and go to heaven or achieve spiritual perfection, and sinners, Having passed a series of tests in the kingdom of the dead, they must suffer in fiery, icy or spaces inhabited by terrible creatures.

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Please note that the mythical creatures of Japan are located in .

1) Devas (divas)

19) Karkadann

A creature mentioned in medieval Arabic and Persian literature, whose name means "lord of the desert site" in Farsi. It represented a ferocious unicorn, found in Persia and India; he was capable of attacking an elephant and killing it. Apparently, we are talking about a rhinoceros or a closely related species of extinct animal (Elasmotherium). In modern Arabic and Persian, this word refers to a rhinoceros. In addition to the stories of Ibn Fadlan and Ibn Battuta, mentions of this creature can be found in the story of “Sinbad the Sailor”. Sinbad, having visited one of the Far Eastern islands, met there a creature that combined the features of a rhinoceros and a unicorn. The text mentions that al-karkadann is one of the food sources of the roc bird.

20) Roc or elephant bird

In medieval Arabic folklore, a huge bird the size of an island, capable of carrying away and devouring elephants and carcadannas in its talons. In the Middle East, its habitat was usually considered to be the borders of China, and in China itself - Madagascar and the islands adjacent to it. The bird, capable of carrying elephants, was first mentioned in the 10th century in “Wonders of India” by a Persian author named Buzurg ibn Shahryar. Al-Biruni, without calling the giant bird by name, skeptically reports that it was seen near the borders of China. The great traveler Ibn Battuta writes that on the way to China, he personally observed how a mountain flew up from the surface of the sea - it was the Roc bird. Finally, the most famous description of the bird is contained in the Arabian Nights: during the fifth voyage of Sinbad the Sailor, the roc bird, in revenge for the destruction of its egg, destroys an entire ship with sailors.

The association of the roc bird with Madagascar is perhaps not accidental - until the 17th century, the island was inhabited by giant birds of the apiornis family. Like ostriches, they did not fly, so an adult apyornis weighing up to 500 kg and up to three meters tall could be mistaken by visiting Arabs for a freshly hatched chick of a much larger flying bird.

According to Jewish legend, having parted with Adam, Lilith became a baby-killer (this character is also present in Arab myths). In the mythology of Ancient Mesopotamia, a night demoness who kills children and mocks sleeping men has a similar name. The name Lilith appears in the Epic of Gilgamesh in the second millennium BC. e. It is mentioned in the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Ben Sira Alphabet, and the Book of Zohar. In Semitic languages, particularly Hebrew, this word is the feminine adjective “night.” In addition, in Hebrew the word “lilit” refers to the tawny owl, a type of owl. Most likely, this is why Lilith is sometimes depicted with an owl.

In Jewish life, Lilith is especially known as a pest of childbirth. It was believed that she not only spoils babies, but also kidnaps them, drinks the blood of newborns and replaces them. website She was also credited with spoiling women in labor and infertility of women. It is the legends that speak of Lilith as the killer of newborns that explain the tradition of hanging an amulet with the names of angels near the cradle of a Jewish child.

22) Apsaras

Demigoddesses in Hindu mythology, spirits of clouds or water. They were depicted as beautiful women dressed in rich clothes and wearing jewelry. According to legend, apsaras, like the Scandinavian Valkyries, appease heroes killed in battle in Indra's paradise. The number of apsaras varies, according to various sources, from several tens to hundreds of thousands. Apsaras, who were in the direct service of the gods, were often used by them to seduce ascetics or holy hermits, who through asceticism could become equal to the gods.

An evil spirit in Ashkenazi Jewish folklore, being the soul of a deceased evil person. The dybbuk soul cannot part with earthly existence because of its crimes (for example, suicide) and is looking for a living organism, a site in which it can. The concept of dybbuks is similar to the demons and spirits that are exorcised in the Catholic Church through the process of exorcism. It is assumed that a soul that has not completed its destiny in its earthly life can complete it in the form of a dybbuk. The concept of dybbuks has been mentioned in Kabbalistic literature since the 17th century. The dybbuk is expelled by the tzaddik and ten other members of the Jewish community, who are dressed in funeral shirts. In the process of expelling a dybbuk, aromatic substances are burned, prayers are recited, and the shofar is blown.

24) Naga

Snake-like creatures, a symbol of wisdom in Hinduism and Buddhism. They are depicted as snakes with a human torso and a human head, covered on top with a fan of snake heads. They live in caves and ponds, on land, in water or underground. The mythology of the “snake man” has ancient roots. It is believed that the naga serpent was the totem of one of the powerful ancient tribes, whose representatives were called nagas. website It is believed that Buddha preached to the nagas. It is stated that the nagas kept the truth secret until people were ripe to understand it. Kundalini is depicted in the form of a snake - the energy that rises in a person during spiritual practice from the lowest psychophysiological center (chakra) to the highest, where merging with God occurs.

25) Garuda

In Hinduism, the riding bird of the god Vishnu, a fighter against naga snakes. Garuda's head, chest, torso, legs up to the knees are human; beak, wings, tail, hind legs - eagle. In the understanding of Hinduism, the prey of the Garuda bird is snakes that nest in the minds of unbelievers and doubters of God. In Indonesia it is associated with solar energy. In hatha yoga, a special pose is dedicated to Garuda - Garudasana. A large wasp from Indonesia is named after the garuda. Garuda is a national symbol and is depicted on the coats of arms of Indonesia, Thailand and the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar. In Asian heraldry, the site is most often depicted with red and gold plumage, and can be completely gold or white.

26) Potassium

In Hindu mythology, a huge multi-headed snake demon who lived in the Yamuna River in the Vrindavan region and was tamed by Krishna. One day, Kaliya became proud and ate an offering brought by other nagas for the king of birds - Garuda. Garuda became enraged and attacked Kaliya, intending to kill him for his insolence. But the frightened Kaliya fled and, hiding from the sharp claws of Garuda, disappeared into the waters of the Yamuna, where Garuda could not reach him due to the curse placed on him. All the vegetation on the banks of the Yamuna dried up due to the deadly poison of Kaliya. Krishna, who had driven a herd of calves to a watering place, saw the death of all living things and decided to tame Kaliya. He began splashing, swimming and playing in the water, which angered the snake. Kaliya floated to the surface and wrapped tight rings around the body of little Krishna.

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Suddenly Krishna's body began to expand and opened the coils of Kaliya. At the sight of the boy who was free, Kaliya flew into a furious rage and rushed at Krishna, who began to spin like a top in the water around the serpent, infuriating him even more. When Kaliya's strength was completely exhausted and he dropped his head into the water, Krishna jumped on him and began to dance, jumping from one head to another. Exhausted, Kaliya again and again tried in vain to bite Krishna, who did not allow his heads to rise, and sank deeper and deeper into the water. Then the wives of Kaliya, the nagas who were watching what was happening, began to offer prayers to Krishna, asking him to spare their husband. Having taken pity on them, Krishna stopped trampling the snake and set him free, ordering him to leave Yamuna and settle with all his relatives in the ocean on one of the islands of Fiji, where Garuda would not interfere with them.

27) Chollima

A winged Korean horse that can travel 400 kilometers a day. According to legend, there was no daredevil on Earth capable of taming him, so Chollima flew into the sky. The name of the Chollima movement in the DPRK is associated with the mythical horse; it is an analogue of the Stakhanov movement in the USSR in the 1930s. Chollima is a symbol of progress and the nation's movement forward.

Demon in Hinduism. Periodically, it swallows the Sun or Moon, thereby causing eclipses. In Hindu art it is depicted as a dragon without a body riding a chariot driven by eight black horses. In Indian astrology, Rahu rules deception and is associated with swindlers seeking material enjoyment, drug dealers, poisoners, hypocrisy and immoral acts. Rahu plays a key role in strengthening power, turning enemies into friends. It is also believed that by the grace of Rahu one can be cured from poisonous snake bites.

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A sea monster known in Indian tradition and among a number of peoples influenced by this tradition. The makara is often thought of as a giant aquatic animal, combining features of a dolphin, shark and crocodile. It is the mount of Varuna, Ganga and the symbol of the god Kama. In Hinduism it corresponds to the designation of the zodiac constellation Capricorn. In Sanskrit the word means "sea dragon" or "water monster". Images of the monster are widely used in Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism and are common in South and Southeast Asia.

30) Surabhi

In Hindu mythology, it is miraculous, fulfilling the wishes of the owner. It arose during the churning of the Ocean of Milk and belonged to the sage rishi Vasistha. Known as "sweet-smelling" or "wish-cow". The image of Surabhi reflected the veneration of the cow, derived from the common Aryan (Indo-Iranian) pastoral era, when the cow was the main source of food and wealth, and characteristic of Indian and Iranian mythology.

31) Kali site

A demon in Hinduism, a symbol of destruction, the personification of an era of evil, discord and hypocrisy. The etymology of the name is related to the concept of “black”. Depicted as a four-armed, long-haired woman with blue skin. In her upper left hand she holds a bloody sword, destroying doubt and duality, in her lower left hand she holds a demon's head, symbolizing the cutting off of the ego. With her upper right hand she makes a protective gesture that drives away fear, while with her lower right hand she blesses for the fulfillment of all desires. Four arms symbolize the 4 cardinal directions and 4 main chakras. A frequent subject of the depiction of Kali is her murder of her husband Shiva, who was sacrificed. Her three eyes control three forces: creation, preservation and destruction. They correspond to three times: past, present and future, and are also symbols of the Sun, Moon and lightning. She is wearing a belt made of human hands, which symbolize the inexorable action of karma.

The blue color of her body is the color of endless cosmic, eternal time, as well as death. This symbolism draws attention to the superiority of Kali over the mortal realm. Black color symbolizes an unclouded state. The garland of skulls with which it is decorated means a series of human incarnations. There are exactly 50 skulls - according to the number of letters of the Sanskrit alphabet. The head that Kali carries represents the ego, the idea 'I am the body', which she destroys. The skulls also show her ability to free the mind from identifying itself with the body. This garland symbolizes wisdom and strength. Her tousled hair forms a mysterious curtain of death that envelops all life. The corpse on which she stands indicates the transitory and inferior nature of the physical body. The blood red tongue symbolizes the kinetic energy of the universe, which is symbolized by the color red. On a cosmic level, Kali is associated with the elements of air or wind. She is the perception of the lightning of truth, negating all illusions; The site embodies creation, preservation and destruction, evokes both love and horror. In the human body, Kali exists in the form of breath or life force (prana). The crescent moon was considered its symbol.

Devotees of Kali drank wine for ritual purposes. During the ritual, believers drank sacred water in three sips, marked the area between the eyebrows with red powder, and offered red flowers to the image of the goddess and lit candles. Then a prayer was read, after which, inhaling the aroma of the sacrificial flower, the believers ate the sacrificial offerings. The holiday in her honor was celebrated in early September. The heyday of the Kali cult occurred during the period of the sultanates of the 13th - 14th centuries. From the 12th to the 19th centuries, a secret sect of thugs was widespread in India - fanatics who devoted themselves to serving Kali as the demon of death and destruction.

A clay giant from Jewish mythology, revived by Kabbalists with the help of secret knowledge - by analogy with Adam, whom God created from clay. The legend of the Golem is very common as a myth about an artificial man created from clay to perform various “menial” jobs, difficult tasks of importance to the Jewish community, and mainly to prevent blood libel through timely intervention and exposure. Having completed its task, the golem turns to dust. In this legend, folk fantasy seems to justify the resistance to social evil by some, even timid ones: in the image of a golem, the idea of an intensified struggle against evil, transgressing the boundaries of religious law, seems to be legalized.

33) Pishachi

In Indian mythology, they are evil and harmful, attacking people, devouring them and drinking their blood. There are special spells and herbs against pishachas, since they are capable of stealing people’s souls. They live in places where the dead are cremated. In addition, their places of residence are empty houses and roads. These site demons move at dusk. Whoever sees the pishachs will die within 9 months, unless he appeases the spirits with his offerings. They are able to take on any form and even become invisible.

34) Ao

In ancient Chinese mythology, there is a giant turtle swimming in the sea. It is often claimed that on her back there are three sacred mountains - Yingzhou, Penglai and Fangzhang, where the immortals live. Ao plays an important role in the popular sky repair legend, which exists in a number of variants. These legends say that when the four pillars on which the sky rests were broken (according to one version, during the battle of the gods), in order to save the earth from heavenly fire and flood, the goddess Nuwa collected stones of five different colors, melted them and patched up the holes in the firmament through which water and fire poured onto the earth. Then she cut off the legs of the giant turtle and, placing them at the corners of the earth, supported the sky with them. Thus, the Chinese Atlas was a giant sea turtle.

In Arabic-Persian folklore, which has long, boneless legs resembling snakes or belts, and above the waist it appears human-like. In short, the legends of the Dawlpa are similar in many details. Davalpa lives in desert areas, forests or islands. He rushes at people who happen to be nearby, but more often he tricks them into accepting him on their back. Once on the man's shoulders, he wraps his belt-like legs tightly around him, beats him and forces him to work for himself.

The work mainly involves picking fruits from trees. Obviously, with such legs, the davalpa himself is not able to pick fruits even from the lower branches, since he cannot lean on them. A person must obey the dawlpa until he dies from exhaustion, but there is a site method to get rid of the dawlpa, transmitted by many sources. You need to pick grapes, squeeze the juice out of it into some container, wait for it to ferment, and give the monster something to drink. Davalpa gets drunk, his legs lose their grip, and he releases the prisoner. The collection "A Thousand and One Nights" tells of Sinbad the Sailor's encounter with a similar creature and his successful liberation from the dawlpa.