The mythology of each nation is unique. It reflects the mentality of the nation, worldview, cultural and historical features. Korean and Chinese mythical creatures are an important part of the cultural heritage of China and Korea. They are popular both in the country and around the world.

Chinese dragon

The moon serpent or Chinese is the "face" of the mythology of this ancient people. He is considered the most common and recognizable hero of the myths and legends of the Celestial state throughout the world. Within Chinese culture, there is 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 the balance of the elements. She is depicted as known to the whole world, where Yin is a cold, calm, female energy, and Yang is hot, passionate, male.

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

Since ancient times, the Chinese have honored and worshiped dragons. The moon serpent has great importance for Chinese culture:

  1. People in Korea and China praised the wisdom and mercy of this mythical creature. They turned to him for help and protection.
  2. 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 form of a dragon. Only such a ruler will be able to wisely manage the destinies of his subjects and lead the people to prosperity.
  3. The mythical snake is considered the patron saint of fertility. In order for the harvest to be good, a person presented gifts and asked for rain.

Appearance description

As Korean and Chinese legends and myths know, 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 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 snout big eyes, resembling in their form rabbit. Ears like a cow - a sacred oriental animal. Also, the serpent moon has a mustache and a long beard. Although Chinese dragon does not have wings, it is able to fly 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, appearance.

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

There are four in total. Among them:

  1. The most powerful and majestic is the heavenly dragon Tianlong. This is a huge snake with golden scales and a fiery beard. He patronizes emperors and powerful rulers. What Tianlong touches turns into real gold in an instant.
  2. Dilun 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 water. If Dilun is in a good mood, then the sea is calm. But if he is angry, then a storm rages.
  3. A dragon lives underground, guarding precious stones and countless treasures. underworld. His name is Futsanglong. In the beard of this snake is a large pearl, which represents his wealth and power. Futsanglong is capable of causing earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
  4. The divine dragon named Yinglong is in charge of the weather. In his power is control over the winds, rains, thunder and lightning, clouds and many others. weather events. Since ancient times, people have turned to Yinglong with a request for rain for the harvest or sunny weather.

Nine sons of the dragon

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

As part of the traditional architecture of China, 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:

  1. One of the most popular elements of Chinese decor is a dragon named Bisi. According to legends, Bisi has an incredible physical strength, which is why he is depicted at the base of columns and stelae. It makes the house stable and protects from the influence of bad weather, natural phenomena and not only.
  2. The image of the head of a snake can often be found on the edges of the roof of a Chinese house. Such an animal is called Chiven. He is able to protect the house from negative energy, envy of other people, diseases.
  3. The crown of the bell is often depicted in the form of a dragon named Pulao. It is considered the noisiest snake.
  4. 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 honors the law.
  5. The head of the gluttonous serpent Taote was depicted on ritual utensils for sacrifices.
  6. The image of a water dragon named Basya is one of the main decorations of ancient Chinese bridges, piers, etc.
  7. The yazi is a cruel and bloodthirsty snake depicted on the handles of traditional Chinese weapons.
  8. The legs of some chairs are depicted as a sitting dragon Suanni.
  9. The image of the dragon Jiaotu can be found in the form door handles on the front doors of houses. This creature prefers calmness and does not like to be disturbed over trifles.

dragon boat festival

As a worship of the power of the Chinese serpent, there is an annual dragon boat festival, which in the original is called Duan-wu. On this day, the Chinese hold large-scale festivals, dress up boats, arrange 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 thousands of years. The day of the Duan Wu holiday is determined using this ancient calendar. It is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the fifth month.

Chinese Phoenix or Fenghuang

Fenghuang magical birds in Chinese tradition is the personification of the cold feminine: Yin. It is of great importance for the people of Asia, because its appearance in front of people means quick and very important changes for the whole people. She is the herald of a peaceful and happy time.

The image of 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 the ancient Chinese legends, characteristic features phoenix bird is:

  • variegated plumage;
  • cock's beak;
  • snake neck;
  • swan head;
  • various ornaments on the body;
  • long colorful tail.

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

Giant tortoise Ao

One of the leading roles in mythology ancient China plays 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 mountain islands where immortal people live:

  • Yingzhou;
  • Fangzhang;
  • Penline.

And also about the turtle Ao can be heard in many ancient proverbs and sayings of the Middle Kingdom.

Chinese Unicorn Qilin

Qilin is one of the four most significant Chinese magical creatures along with the dragon, Fenghuang bird and sea ​​turtle Ao. 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 appearance is:

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


CREATURES

fenghuang

Fenghuang, in Chinese mythology, the miraculous king bird; in Western European literature, it is interpreted as a phoenix bird. There is an assumption that in ancient times the word "feng" meant the deity of the wind, which was the messenger of the gods.

The Chinese believed that fenghuang, a bird with multi-colored feathers, had a rooster's beak, a swallow's crop, a snake's neck, patterns on the body like a dragon, a fish tail, in front it was like a swan, in the back like a qilin unicorn, and a turtle's back. The appearance of fenghuang promised peace and prosperity in China. There is reason to believe that this bird with huge eyes and a peculiar crest on its head, resembling a peacock, has a solar nature, that is, it is close to the elements of fire and the sun.

Ruo Shui

Zhuo, in ancient Chinese mythology sacred tree, growing for South Sea, between the rivers Heishui ("Black") and Qingshui ("Green") in the extreme west near Mount Kunlun. Its leaves are dark green, the flowers are red, resembling lotuses, their light illuminates the earth. According to the myth, ten suns set on the top of Jo, completing their journey across the sky. Jo is the western equivalent of the solar (sunrise) Fusang tree, located in the extreme east. The image of Jo was repeatedly used in Chinese poetry (Qu-Yuan - IV century BC, Li Po - VIII century AD).

Ruo Shui ("weak water"), in ancient Chinese mythology, the river under Mount Kunlun, where the owner of the potion of immortality lived, the ruler of the western paradise of the immortals Xi Wangmu ("Mistress of the West"). The water in this river did not hold even a light swan feather on the surface. It can be assumed that Ruo Shui was considered as a special river that separated the realm of the living and the dead. Ruo Shui is a typical moving toponym; real rivers in various outlying and adjacent lands of China were also called by this name.

Longwan
dragon king


Longwang, in Chinese mythology, the master of the water element; the god of thunder Leigong, the lord of rain Yushi and the god of wind Fengbo obeyed him. According to early texts, Longwang is a creature that stands out among other dragons for its extraordinary size - about 1 li, that is, about half a kilometer in length. The image of Longwang was formed in the first centuries of our era.

The Taoist classification has become widespread - the idea of ​​Longvan as the supreme dragon of the four seas (in accordance with ancient Chinese cosmogony): Guang-de ("increasing virtue") - Longvan of the East Sea, Guan-li ("wealth-increasing") - South, Guan -jun ("increasing favor") - Western and Guang-tsze ("increasing generosity") - also Western. All of them are considered brothers, of which the eldest is Guan-te. There was also an idea about Longvan four main rivers of China.

IN folk tales and legends usually appear simply Longwang or Donghai Longwang ("Dragon King of the East Sea"). In later folk beliefs, Longwang is often seen as the lord of the elements, to whom the god of thunder, the goddess of lightning, the god of the wind, and the master of rain are subordinate. In the late folk syncretic mythological system, Longwang is subordinate to the supreme lord Yudi. Longwang, the king of dragons, who brings rain, had his own army, consisting of marine life: turtles, cuttlefish and other inhabitants of the depths. Farmers, sailors, fishermen and water carriers asked for the intercession of this king of dragons, who gives rain. The Longwang cult was extremely popular in old China. Temples dedicated to him were in every city, every village. Longwang was believed to bring rain.


Zhong Kui

Zhong Kui, in late Chinese mythology, the lord of demons. The image of Zhong Kui originated approximately in the 6th century BC and was originally associated with a club made of peach wood, driving away evil spirits. In the Middle Ages, it was replaced by an anthropomorphic image of the leader of demons.

The word Zhong Kui literally means "club of demons". It has become a Chinese custom to paint Zhong Kui catching demons with red paint and hang this image of him for magical purposes. Usually the Chinese performed such a ritual on the Duanyang holiday, that is, on the fifth day of the fifth moon. On folk prints, Zhong Kui was depicted, as a rule, in the costume of an official, in a pose threatening demons. Images of the demon lord Zhong Kui were usually pasted on both sides of the door, so that he performed the duties of the god of doors. It was also believed that Zhong Kui administers justice over the souls of the dead.

Historical information. Zhong, in ancient history China is a well-known Manchu princely family, belonging to those eight families, the founders of which rendered especially important services to the Manchu sovereigns in their conquest of China. The representative of this family was one of the main leaders of the Big Fist Society or the so-called boxer movement, which tried to preserve the fading influence of the dynasty of Chinese emperors, for which, at the request of foreign powers, he was executed in 1901, and the princely title was transferred not to his son, but to another face.

Zhang Tianshi

Zhang Tianshi (literally, Zhang heavenly teacher), in Chinese, Taoist and late folk mythology, the main magician and lord of demons. The image of the mythical Zhang Tianshi is based on the idea of ​​the head of the Taoist religion Zhang Dao-ling, who lived in the third century AD, who was awarded the honorary title of Tianshi in the fifth century.

In ancient times, when shamanism dominated China, Tian (sky), or Huang-tian (royal sky) was the main object of worship: it still plays an outstanding role in religious beliefs people. The sky, in Chinese folk mythology, is the external manifestation of the power of the master of the fate of the world, or Shandi, with which it constantly mixes with the people; it is a craft, a destiny that maintains the inviolability of the eternal laws on which order in the universe is based. The representative of heaven on earth is the Bogdokhan, who in this role bears the name of the Son of Heaven (Tian-tzu); he is the only mediator between people and heaven, responsible to the latter for the welfare of his subjects; he alone, on behalf of the whole people, has the right to make a sacrifice to heaven, for which a special Tien-tan altar has been set up in Beijing.

According to legend, Zhang Dao-ling, traveling around the country, reached the mountains in Xinanxian County, Jiangxi Province, where he started making immortality medicine. When the medicine was ready, he took it, and although Zhang Tao-ling was sixty years old at the time, he turned into young man; at the same time he received the magical secrets of composition and acquired power, thanks to which he could exorcise demons and werewolves, and also penetrated into the secrets of transformations. After that, Zhang Dao-ling ascended to heaven, leaving his children and grandchildren writings on magic, spells, a seal and a wonderful sword. According to another version, having taken half a tablet of the drug, he became an earthly immortal under the name of Zhang Tianshi.

On behalf of Zhang Tianshi, decrees against evil spirits were issued for centuries, spread throughout the country. As the head of all the chthonic forces, Zhang Tianshi was credited with power over animals living in the earth, which could damage the graves of ancestors, which were especially revered in China. At the same time, the "specialty" of Zhang Tianshi was considered to be the fight against poisonous organisms, that is, scorpions, snakes, poisonous spiders and other filth. It was believed that Zhang Tianshi was also subordinate to five thunders, who, on his orders, kill evil spirits, therefore, in the paintings around the figure of Zhang Tianshi, five fire-breathing drums were drawn - symbols of these thunders. Since the functions of Zhang Tianshi are close to those of Zhong Kui, the head of demons, their images and attributes were often mixed up.


Yanwang
Lord of the Dead

Yanwang ("prince"), in Chinese mythology, the lord of the underworld; it was believed that he was investigating the earthly life of the dead, and then sends them for punishment to one of the ten king-judges, each of which has its own court. Eight kings punished the souls, and those who got to the other two judges were waiting for new bodies for reincarnation.

However, according to other versions of the myth, every soul must have gone through all ten judgments. The ancient Chinese believed that terrible torture awaited great sinners: corrupt officials of all ranks swallowed molten gold, and the most hardened in sin were boiled in boiling oil, ground with huge stone millstones or cut in half.

Choijins

Choijins or sahiuses, in the Buddhist mythology of the Tibetan and Mongolian peoples, are a category of formidable deities included in the category of dokshit or coinciding with it. The word Choijin in Tibetan means "the guardian of the teachings", in the Mongolian language sakhius means "protector", the correspondence of this concept in Sanskrit is dharmapala. In Tibetan mythology, the number of choijins is replenished by local spirits. Among the Tibetans, a particularly revered choijin is Jamsaran, who has the epithet "Red Guardian", the exact name of this deity among the Mongols is Ulan sakhius.

His father is a ferocious spirit, a copper-haired yakshas, ​​who lives in the bloody sea on a copper mountain or in a cemetery; in one hand he has a copper sword, in the other - the lungs and heart of the enemy. By origin, Jamsaran is a pre-Buddhist deity, possibly Mongolian, who took the place of the god of war in Tibet, approaching Pekhar. In northern Buddhism, Jamsaran is one of the eight dokshits; associated with Kubera and with Geser, who is sometimes considered one of his incarnations. In the epic of the Khori people, Jamsaran acts as an enemy of Geser.

The group of "five choijins" is especially revered by the Mongols, which in Mongolian legends are called "five great sovereigns" or tabun khagan, that is, the defenders of the temple. Their cult is closely intertwined with the cult of Padmasambhava, to whom they vowed to protect the religion. Their rebirth is considered to be the abbot of the Lhasa temple, acting as a state oracle, revered at the same time as the incarnation of Pehar. In the process of synthesis of shamanic and Buddhist mythology, ideas about choijins are transformed. Choijins are seen as ferocious warlike guardian spirits that vanquish demons and disease.

(from Chinese mythology)

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 remarkable monument of universal culture. Because life ancient man subjected for centuries to a repetitive agricultural cycle, the pantheons of many religions of the East included dying and resurrecting gods. Common Eastern religions and teachings - Buddhism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, etc. - interpreting these issues in different ways, according to myths, agreed that the righteous should gain an immortal soul and go to heaven or achieve spiritual perfection, and sinners, having passed a series of trials in the realm 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 in.

1) Devas (divas)

19) Karkadann

A creature mentioned in medieval Arabic and Persian literature, whose name means "lord of the site of the desert" in Farsi. It was 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 species of extinct animals close to it (elasmotherium). In modern Arabic and Persian this word means rhinoceros. In addition to the stories of ibn Fadlan and ibn Battuta, references to this creature can be found in the story of "Sinbad the Sailor". Sinbad, visiting one of the Far Eastern islands, met a creature there that combined the features of a rhinoceros and a unicorn. There is a mention in the text that al-karkadann is one of the food sources of the Rukh bird.

20) Roc or elephant bird

In medieval Arabic folklore, a huge bird the size of an island, capable of carrying away in its claws and devouring elephants and carcadans. In the Middle East, its range was usually considered to be the limits of China, and in China itself - Madagascar and the islands adjacent to the site. The elephant-carrying bird was first mentioned in the 10th century in the Miracles of India by a Persian author named Buzurg-ibn-Shahriyar. Al-Biruni, without naming the giant bird, is skeptical that it has been seen near the borders of China. The great traveler Ibn Battuta writes that on the way to China, he personally observed how a mountain fluttered from the surface of the sea - it was the Rukh bird. Finally, the most famous description birds are contained in the "Thousand and One Nights": during the fifth voyage of Sinbad the Sailor, the Rukh bird, in revenge for the destruction of its egg, destroys an entire ship with sailors.

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

According to Jewish tradition, after parting with Adam, Lilith became a killer of babies (this character is also present in Arabic myths). In the mythology of Ancient Mesopotamia, a similar name is given to a night demoness who kills children and mocks sleeping men. The name Lilith is found in the Epic of Gilgamesh in the second millennium BC. e. She is mentioned in the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Ben Sira Alphabet, the Zohar. In Semitic languages, in particular in Hebrew, this word is an adjective female"night". In addition, in Hebrew, the word "lilith" refers to the tawny owl bird, a kind of owl. This is most likely why Lilith is sometimes depicted with an owl.

In Jewish life, Lilith is especially known as a pest of childbearing. It was believed that she not only causes damage to babies, but also kidnaps them, drinks the blood of newborns and replaces them. site She was also attributed to the spoilage of women in labor and the infertility of women. It is the legends that speak of Lilith as a 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

Demi-goddesses in Hindu mythology, cloud or water spirits. Depicted as beautiful women dressed in rich clothes and wearing jewels. According to legend, the Apsaras, like the Scandinavian Valkyries, indulge the heroes who fell in battle in the paradise of Indra. 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 that is the soul of the deceased evil person. A dybbuk soul cannot part with earthly existence because of its crimes (for example, suicide) and is looking for a living organism, a site to which it can. The concept of dybbuks is similar to the demons and spirits that are exorcised in Catholic Church during the 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 tzadik and ten other members of the Jewish community, who are dressed in funeral shirts. In the process of expelling the dybbuk, fragrant substances are burned, prayers are read and the shofar is blown.

24) Nagas

Serpent-like creatures, a symbol of wisdom in Hinduism and Buddhism. They are depicted as snakes with a human torso and a human head, covered from above with a fan of snake heads. They live in caves and reservoirs, on the ground, in water or underground. The mythology of the “serpent man” has ancient roots. It is believed that the snake-naga was the totem of one of the powerful ancient tribes, whose representatives were called nagas. site It is believed that the Buddha preached to the nagas. It is said that the Nagas kept the truth secret until people were ripe for understanding it. In the form of a snake, kundalini is depicted - the energy that rises in a person during spiritual practice from the lowest psycho-physiological center (chakra) to the highest, where it merges with God.

25) Garuda

In Hinduism, the riding bird of the god Vishnu, the fighter with snakes-nagas. The head, chest, torso, legs to the knees of Garuda 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 those who doubt 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 emblems of Indonesia, Thailand and the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar. In Asian heraldry, the site is most often depicted with red and gold plumage, it can be completely gold or white.

26) Potassium

In Hindu mythology, a huge multi-headed serpent demon that 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, hid in the waters of the Yamuna, where Garuda could not reach him because of the curse imposed on him. All the vegetation on the banks of the Yamuna dried up due to the deadly poison of Kaliya. Krishna, who drove a herd of calves to a watering place, saw the death of all living things and decided to tame Kaliya. He began to splash, swim and play in the water, which angered the snake. Kaliya floated to the surface and wrapped around the body of little Krishna in tight rings.

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Suddenly Krishna's body began to expand and opened the rings of Kaliya. At the sight of the boy who was freed, Kaliya became furious and rushed at Krishna, who began to spin around the snake in the water, infuriating him even more. When Kaliya's strength was completely exhausted, and he dropped his heads into the water, Krishna jumped on him and began to dance, jumping from one head to another. The exhausted Kaliya again and again tried in vain to bite Krishna, who did not allow his heads to rise, and plunged 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 spouse. Taking pity on them, Krishna stopped trampling the snake and let him go free, ordering him to leave the Yamuna and settle with all his relatives in the ocean on one of the islands of Fiji, where Garuda would not interfere with their site.

27) Chollima

A winged Korean horse capable of traveling 400 kilometers a day. According to legend, there was no daredevil on Earth who could tame 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 progress of the nation forward.

Demon in Hinduism. Periodically, he swallows the Sun or the 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 commands deceit and is associated with swindlers seeking material enjoyment, drug dealers, poisoners, hypocrisy and immoral acts. Rahu plays key role in strengthening power, turning enemies into friends. It is also believed that by the grace of Rahu one can be cured of the bites of poisonous snakes.

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A sea monster known in Indian tradition and among a number of peoples influenced by this tradition. Makara is often represented as a giant aquatic animal that combines the features of a dolphin, shark and crocodile. It is the riding animal 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 the countries of South and Southeast Asia.

30) Surabhi

In Hindu mythology, miraculous, fulfilling the wishes of the owner. It arose during the churning of the Milk Ocean and belonged to the sage-rishi Vasistha. Known by the names "sweet-smelling" or "wishing cow". The image of Surabhi reflects the veneration of the cow, taken from the pan-Aryan (Indo-Iranian) pastoral era, when the cow was the main source of food and prosperity, and characteristic of Indian and Iranian mythology.

31) Kali website

Demon in Hinduism, a symbol of destruction, the personification of the era of evil, discord and hypocrisy. The etymology of the name is associated with the concepts of "black". Depicted as a four-armed long-haired woman with blue skin. In her upper left hand she holds a bloody sword that destroys doubts and duality, in her lower left hand she holds a demon's head, symbolizing the cutting off of the ego. 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. The four hands symbolize the 4 cardinal directions and the 4 main chakras. A frequent plot of the image of Kali is the 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, they are also symbols of the Sun, Moon and lightning. She is wearing a belt human hands, which denote the inexorable action of karma.

The blue color of her body site is the color of infinite cosmic, eternal time, as well as death. This symbolism draws attention to the superiority of Kali over the realm of mortals. The black color symbolizes the unclouded state. The garland of skulls with which it is adorned signifies a succession of human incarnations. There are exactly 50 skulls - according to the number of letters of the Sanskrit alphabet. The head carried by Kali 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 a transitory and inferior character. physical body. The blood red tongue symbolizes the kinetic energy of the universe, symbolized by the color red. At the cosmic level, Kali is associated with the elements of air or wind. She is the perception of the lightning of truth, denying all illusions; embodies creation, preservation and destruction in the site, causes both love and horror. In the human body, Kali exists in the form of breath or life force (prana). Its symbol was the crescent moon.

Kali worshipers drank wine for ritual purposes. During the ritual, believers drank sacred water in three sips, put a mark on the middle of the eyebrows with red powder, red flowers were brought to the image of the goddess and candles were lit. Then a prayer was read, after which, inhaling the aroma of the sacrificial flower, the believers ate the sacrificial offerings. A holiday in her honor was celebrated in early September. The heyday of the cult of Kali fell on the period of the sultanates of the XIII - XIV centuries. From the 12th to the 19th centuries, a secret sect of thugs, fanatics who devoted themselves to the service of Kali as the demon of death and destruction, was widespread in India.

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 artificial man, created from clay to perform various "black" jobs, difficult assignments of importance to the Jewish community, and mainly to prevent blood libel through timely intervention and exposure. Having completed its task, the golem turns into dust. In this legend, folk fantasy seems to justify the opposition to social evil by some, even timid ones: in the image of a golem, the idea of ​​an intensified struggle against evil, which transcends the boundaries of religious law, is legalized, as it were.

33) Pishachi

In Indian mythology, evil and malicious, attacking people, devouring them and drinking their blood. There are special spells and herbs against pishachas, as they are capable of stealing the souls of people. They live in places where the dead are cremated. In addition, their places of residence are empty houses and roads. These demons move around at dusk. Whoever sees pishachas 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, a giant tortoise floating in the sea. It is often stated that on her back are three sacred mountains - Yingzhou, Penglai and Fangzhang, where the immortals live. Ao is playing important role in the widespread legend about the repair of the sky, which exists in a number of variants. These legends say that when the four pillars that hold the sky were broken (according to one version, during the battle of the gods), in order to save the earth from heavenly fire and the flood, the goddess Nuwa collected stones from five different colors, melted them and patched up the holes in the sky, through which water and fire poured onto the earth. Then she chopped off the legs of a giant tortoise and, placing their site in the corners of the earth, propped up 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 looks like a person. Briefly, the legends of the davalpa are similar in many details. Davalpa lives in desert places, in the forest or on the islands. He rushes at people who find themselves nearby, but more often he tricks him into taking himself on his back. Once on the shoulders of a person, he tightly wraps his belt-like legs around him, beats him and makes him work for himself.

The work mainly consists in picking fruits from trees. Obviously, with such legs, the davalpa itself is not able to pluck fruit even from the lower branches, since it cannot lean on them. A person must obey dalpa until he dies of exhaustion, however, there is a site method to get rid of dalpa, transmitted by many sources. It is required to pick the grapes, squeeze the juice out of it into a container, wait for it to ferment, and give the monster a drink. Dawalpa gets drunk, his legs lose their grip, and he releases the prisoner. The collection "A Thousand and One Nights" tells about the meeting of Sinbad the Sailor with a similar creature and about his successful liberation from dalapa.

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 are intertwined, sometimes giving rise to very unusual and unique views on many spheres 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 world demons very rich and varied. There are also local evil spirits, and the interpretation of demonic creatures that came from other religions.

To begin with, let's talk about the very look of the people of China on 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 in which they are judged and carried out in execution of punishments. There is a judge for each level of Diyu. By the way, by different versions levels from 3 to 18. And each of them is provided for certain sins.

Souls are tormented 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 hard Administrative division. In general, the underground, as well as the heavenly worlds, are rigidly structured and the role of officials in them is key.

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

Let's start with Longwang, he can be attributed to both a deity and a demon. He is the lord of the water element. He was served by three deities:

  1. thunder god Leigong;
  2. rain god Yushi;
  3. wind god Fengbo.

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

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

Ruoshui is a special river under Mount Kunlun, it separated the realms of the living from the realm of the dead. Do not be surprised every river in China had its own spirit incarnation. 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, he was the main magician and commanded demons. In addition, he was a heavenly mentor.

ZhongKui was recognized as the lord of demons, he was also considered the supreme judge of the underworld.

Another of the lords of the underworld, Yanwang, he is also the main investigator of the underworld. His task was to study the earthly life of the dead. After completing the investigation, he determined to which of the ten courts the soul should be sent for judgment.

It is interesting that not all the Kings-judges were punished. Eight were engaged in the installation of punishment, but two gave the bodies into which the souls were reincarnated.

Mention should also be made of the following demonic beings in China:

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

Basian, Paxian ("eight immortals"), in Chinese Taoist mythology, the most popular group of heroes, symbols of good luck. All of them achieved immortality as a result of comprehending the Tao, or "way". The first to achieve immortality was Li Tieguai ("the iron stick"), a disciple of the founder of Taoism, Lao Tzu. Li, having achieved immortality, went to the sacred mountain, and upon returning and finding that his body had been accidentally burned, he entered the body of a lame vagabond who had died of starvation. Li did not want to live in a disgusting body, but Lao Tzu convinced him not to give up life and gave him an iron stick. It was believed that Li Tieguai introduced Zhongli Quan, the second of the "eight immortals", to the Taoist doctrine. According to one of the myths, the wall of his dwelling cracked in front of Zhongli Quan, and he found instructions there on how to become immortal. Zhongli heeded them and flew up into the sky on a cloud, becoming the messenger of the gods. Usually he was depicted as fat, bald, with a long beard, often with a fan of feathers or palm leaves. The immortal Lu Dongbin, having seen a prophetic dream about the vanity of everything earthly, decided to leave the world and headed for the mountains. Lü Dongbin is the founder of many Chinese sects and the most popular immortal in Chinese mythology. Another immortal, Han Xiangzi, is said to be a disciple of Lü Dongbin, who took him to heaven and showed him a peach tree bearing the fruits of immortality. So Han became immortal; he was depicted with a peach, a flute, or a bouquet of flowers. The immortal Cao Guojiu was the younger brother of Empress Cao of the Song Dynasty. One day he left the court and went to the mountains to lead an ascetic life there. Zhang Guolao, also one of the Eight Immortals, is an old man who lived during the time of Empress Wu of the Tang Dynasty. Zhang, bringing children to the childless and newlyweds, was often depicted with peaches of eternal
Lan Caihe is an immortal, whom the Chinese imagined in the form of a girl or an effeminate man with a basket of flowers and fruits.

Illustration - Han Xianzi, ivory, Ming period, XIV - XVII centuries.

Shooter I

Yi, Xoy Yi ("divine shooter"), in Chinese mythology the son supreme deity, the shooter who did many brave deeds: hit nine suns with arrows; received from Xi Wangmu the elixir of immortality; subdued the winds that devastated the empire. When ten suns appeared in the sky at the same time, the great god gave And a red bow and a quiver with white arrows to subdue the luminaries that were drying up fertile lands. Shooter Yi shot an arrow after an arrow into the sky, and each time one of the suns disappeared, and a three-legged raven fell to the ground. So only the sun remained in the sky, and I killed wild animals and monsters that devoured people. Peace and order reigned on earth, and everyone praised Yi. The divine shooter, together with his wife Chang E, ascended to heaven, but, to his surprise, God ordered them to return to earth. Shooter Yi was happy, and Chang E, fearing death, makes his husband go to the "mistress of the west" Xi Wangmu for the elixir of immortality. The goddess gives them a potion that is enough to make them immortal. However, Chang E secretly drinks the elixir and flies to the moon, and Yi falls into despair: after all, he, a mortal, must certainly lose his life. According to one of the myths, Yi killed his favorite student, Fengmen. According to another version, the gods forgave Yi, returning him to heaven.

huangdi

Huangdi ("yellow ancestor", "yellow sovereign"), in Chinese mythology, the personification magical powers land; hence its association with the yellow color of loess soils. It was believed that Huangdi was of enormous height (about 3 m), had the face of a dragon, a solar horn, four eyes or four faces. He was credited with inventing the axe, mortar, bow, arrows, clothing and shoes; allegedly he taught people to cast bells and tripods, drill wells, make wagons and boats. Huangdi was associated with the beginning of healing and medicine as a science. The "yellow sovereign" skillfully wielded a spear and punished the ruler of the south of Yandi, who did not come to him with tribute. Huangdi gathered all the tigers, leopards, bears, fought with the disobedient and defeated him. According to some sources, he never rested. Huangdi cleared mountain slopes for crops, laid roads. He was revered as the first sovereign of China, allegedly ruling from 2698 to 2598 BC. e. It is believed that Huangdi, who had 25 sons, was buried on Mount Caoshan, although many believed that only his clothes were buried there, and he, having become immortal, ascended to heaven.

Yu

Yu, in ancient Chinese mythology, the hero, the pacifier of the flood; he was revered for his diligence; in ancient times, Yuya was portrayed as half a dragon, since the dragon Gun was considered his father, and later in the form of a man. Yu worked 13 years to stop the flood. He directed the waters, cutting channels in the mountains, creating rivers, springs and estuaries. His hands and feet were covered with blisters, he was emaciated and could hardly walk. However, Yu continued to work, creating an irrigation system to divert water to the sea. As a result of his activities, the land became suitable for growing crops, and all nine provinces of China were united. The emperor was so grateful to Yuyu that he abdicated and gave him the throne. So Yu became the first emperor of the mythical Xia Dynasty. Yu is believed to have ruled from 2205 to 2197 BC. e., and each subsequent emperor is an incarnation of the dragon Yuya. There is a myth about how Yu turned into a bear in order to have time to complete the work. When it was time for dinner, he took on the form of a man and beat the drum. Then his wife brought him food. One day, Yu broke the rocks, and his wife thought it was drumming. She brought lunch to her tired husband, but when she saw the bear, she ran away in fear. Yu rushed after her; the wife was expecting a child, and it was hard for her to run away. She fell and turned into a stone that began to grow. When the birth came, Yu broke the stone, and his son Qi emerged from there.

Demon Zhong Kui

Zhong Kui ("mace"), in late Chinese mythology, the lord of demons. He was usually painted with red paint catching demons, and the drawing was then hung out for magical purposes. Images of the demon lord Zhong Kui were usually pasted on both sides of the door, so that he performed the duties of the god of doors. It was also believed that Zhong Kui administers justice over the souls of the dead.

Yanwang

Yanwang ("prince"), in Chinese mythology, the lord of the underworld; he was thought to be investigating earthly life dead, and then sends them for punishment to one of the ten kings-judges, each of which has its own court. Eight kings punished the souls, and those who got to the other two judges were waiting for new bodies for reincarnation. However, according to other versions of the myth, every soul must have gone through all ten judgments. The ancient Chinese believed that terrible torture awaited great sinners: corrupt officials of all ranks swallowed molten gold, and the most hardened in sin were boiled in boiling oil, ground with huge stone millstones or cut in half.

Illustration - Lord of the dead Yanwang, ceramics, 1523

dragon longwang

Longwang, in Chinese mythology, the master of the water element; the god of thunder Leigong, the lord of rain Yushi and the god of wind Fengbo obeyed him. According to early texts, Longwang is a creature that stands out among other dragons for its extraordinary size - about 1 li (about 0.5 km) in length. The image of Longwang was formed in the first centuries AD. The Taoist classification has become widespread - the idea of ​​Longvan as the supreme dragon of the four seas (in accordance with ancient Chinese cosmogony): Guang-de ("increasing virtue") - Longvan of the East Sea, Guan-li ("wealth-increasing") - South, Guan -jun ("increasing favor") - Western and Guang-tsze ("increasing generosity") - also Western. All of them are considered brothers, of which the eldest is Guan-te. There was also an idea about the Longwan of the four main rivers of China. Folk tales and legends usually feature simply Longwang or Donghai Longwang ("Dragon King of the East Sea"). In later folk beliefs, Longwang is often seen as the lord of the elements, to whom the god of thunder, the goddess of lightning, the god of the wind, and the master of rain are subordinate. In the late folk syncretic mythological system, Longwang is subordinate to the supreme lord Yudi. Longwang, the king of dragons, who brings rain, had his own army, consisting of marine inhabitants: turtles, cuttlefish and other inhabitants of the depths. Farmers, sailors, fishermen and water carriers asked for the intercession of this king of dragons, who gives rain. The Longwang cult was extremely popular in old China. Temples dedicated to him were in every city, every village. Longwang was believed to bring rain.

fenghuang

Fenghuang, in Chinese mythology, the miraculous king bird; in Western European literature, it is interpreted as a phoenix bird. There is an assumption that in ancient times the word "feng" meant the deity of the wind, which was the messenger of the gods. The Chinese believed that fenghuang, a bird with multi-colored feathers, had a rooster's beak, a swallow's crop, a snake's neck, patterns on the body like a dragon, a fish tail, in front it was like a swan, in the back like a qilin unicorn, and a turtle's back. The appearance of fenghuang promised peace and prosperity in China. There is reason to believe that this bird with huge eyes and a peculiar crest on its head, reminiscent of a peacock, has a solar nature, that is, it is close to the elements of fire and the sun.

Illustration - Fenghuang, Nanjing City Park Sculpture, China


Myths and legends ancient east, -M.: Norint, 2002