Sowerby, A.de C., 1939. Some Chinese animal myths and legends. Journal of the North China Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society 70: 1-20, pls. 1-12, figs. 1-2
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| Location: |
Asia - East Asia - China |
| Subject: |
Culture |
| Species: |
Asian Rhino Species |
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Legend of Chi-Lin. The Chi-Lin, called by the Westerners the Unicorn because it is usually shown with a single horn sloping backwards from the crown of the head, although it is sometimes depicted with two horns like the dragon, is also a composite animal. Its head is very similar to that of the dragon. Its neck, body and legs are those of a horse, although the hoofs are cloven like that of an ox. The tail is bushy like that of the Chinese lion. Sometimes wings are present on the sides of the neck or over the shoulders. The body, like that of the dragon, is covered with the sacles of the carp. Although afearsome looking beast, the Chi-lin is also considered benivolent. Its appearance on earth, only at great intervals of time, is an extremely good omen, and heralds of the birth of a sage. Indeed, the chi-lin itself is said to be the paragon of all virtues and so has become the emblem or symbol of integrity.
Before Confucius was born his mother is said to have seen a whole herd of these animals and late in his life when it was reported to him that some hunters had killed what from its description he believed must have been one of these animals, he was so overcome with sorrow and shame that he ceased work on a history he was writing and never resumed it.
It is probable that the idea of the chi-lin originated from the rhinoceros. The Chinese do not identify the rhinoceros with the chi-lin, however, and perhaps it is not therefore permissable to confuse the two. One of the Four Divine Animals, the Chi-Lin is often portrayed in legend and art as a mount for various deities.
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Some Chinese animal myths and legends
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