Qilin
The Qilin, a mythological horned beast from China
The chimerical Qilin of Chinese mythology is a hooved and horned beast with great magical powers second only to those of the Dragon. It's always a good omen when one appears, for it arrives at the same time as a sage and will only live in places ruled by wise and kind leaders. Wherever it lives, it brings rui (roughly translates as "serenity" or "prosperity").
Though the Qilin looks fierce, it has a remarkably gentle nature and only punishes evil doers. It is not a flesh eater and never steps on living entities. It's even careful when it treads on grass. The only time it becomes fierce is when it sees someone wicked threatening good people. Then it spouts flames from its mouth. The Qilin aided Emperor Xun's judge, Gao Yao, by spearing a guilty party with its horn.
Qilin horns are believed to have special magical powers. According to ancient tradition, if you burn a Qilin's horn like a torch and then stare into an illuminated bowl of water, the future will be revealed.
Sources
• Wikipedia - Qilin
• Ask Ayi
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Posted Oct 23, 2006 - 15:20 , Last Edited: Oct 24, 2006 - 05:40
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