Baxia is said to be a good swimmer; hence, his picture is often found on such things as bridges.3 Other stories name this dragon Ba-Sha. When he was visited by his father the dragon king, he proved himself to be a strong swimmer. Now he can be seen perched on bridges crossing China's waters, watching those in boats.4
Bixi can be found on baskets and packs, for he is a grand pack-animal.5
Chiwen has great sight and loves to gaze in the distance. Pinnacles bare his image.6 An alternative story names this dragon as Chi Wen, and he would do nothing all day but stand upon the roof and stare into the distance. The Dragon King, upon seeing his son, though it was no way for the son of a dragon king to behave. So, he gave his son the job of being the sentinel on roof tops, searching for potential danger.7
Haoxian is a reckless adventuror, so the eves of palaces are decorated with him.8 In other stories, this dragon is named Bei-She, and he did not all day but challenge peasants in competitions to prove his great strength and to see if anyone is strong than him. His father, upon witnesses his trials, saw that his strength could be put to good use. And, to this day, his image is carved on columns that support some of China's greatest buildings.9
Jiaotu is tight-lipped. Doors bear his image.10 In another story, his name was Tiao Tu. When his father tried to visit him, he was meet with many barriers because Taio Tu lived behind high walls and did not come to the door. After a long trial, the dragon king was able to enter the building. He saw that his son had a great skill at protecting the home, so now his image is carved over entryways to people's homes or businesses to protect them.11
Pulao had a grand roar; therefore, his figure is carved onto bells.12
Qiuniu decorates musical instraments because he loves music.13 In another story, Pulao and Qiuniu were the same dragon, called Pu-Lao. He did nothing but make monsterous noises all day, to the point of the local villagers summoning the dragon king, his father, to speak to him. The dragon king observed that his son did not have a bad voice, it just needed to be tamed. Now he adorns musial instruments and bells, assuring their sound will be loud and true.14
Suanmi can bee seen on inscence burners, for he is fond of smoke and fire.15 According to another legend, his name was Sua Ni. The local villagers sent a messanger to the dragon king telling him his son would do nothing but play with fire all day. When he visited the village, he saw Sua Ni explain to small children the importance of fire while he tended to a fire that he believed would burn for eternity. Seeing that his son had great potential, he gave him a special job. His image now remains on pots and stands that hold incense and other things during religious ceremonies.16
Yazi can be found on weapons, like knives and swords, for he is very warlike and brave.17 In other stories, he is known as Ya Zi, the seventh son of the dragon king. People were afraid of him because he yelled and hollered all day. When the dragon king found out about this, he paid his son a visit and saw that his warlike visage would be perfect for the military. Now weapons bare his image to strike fear in the country's enemies.18
In some stories, the dragons not only have other names, they have other jobs. For example, there is a dragon son named Tao-Tieh. His father visited him one day to see him cooking a stew for the local villagers. When he tasted the soup, he saw that his son had a great talent. No Tao-Tieh protects the places where food is prepared or served.19 Another dragon was named Bi-An, and the dragon king never heard any complaint of him. One day, he visited his son anyway, and he witnessed his son settling a dispute between two merchants. He carefully weighed their goods. The dragon king immediately saw that this son was wise and eloquent. Now this son is carved over doorways to great prisons, ensuring only the guilty are inside.20
- Chinese Mythology by Anthony Christie
- Chinese Mythology by Anthony Christie
- Chinese Dragons Legendary Beasts From Ancient And Mysterious China
- Young's The Sons of the Dragon King: A Chinese Legend 13-14
- Chinese Dragons Legendary Beasts From Ancient And Mysterious China
- Chinese Dragons Legendary Beasts From Ancient And Mysterious China
- Young's The Sons of the Dragon King: A Chinese Legend 5-6
- Chinese Dragons Legendary Beasts From Ancient And Mysterious China
- Young's The Sons of the Dragon King: A Chinese Legend 3-4
- Chinese Dragons Legendary Beasts From Ancient And Mysterious China
- Young's The Sons of the Dragon King: A Chinese Legend 19-20
- Chinese Dragons Legendary Beasts From Ancient And Mysterious China
- Chinese Dragons Legendary Beasts From Ancient And Mysterious China
- Young's The Sons of the Dragon King: A Chinese Legend 7-8
- Chinese Dragons Legendary Beasts From Ancient And Mysterious China
- Young's The Sons of the Dragon King: A Chinese Legend 17-18
- Chinese Dragons Legendary Beasts From Ancient And Mysterious China
- Young's The Sons of the Dragon King: A Chinese Legend 15-16
- Young's The Sons of the Dragon King: A Chinese Legend 11-12
- Young's The Sons of the Dragon King: A Chinese Legend 9-10
For more information, see the bibliography.
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© Kylie 'drago' McCormick.
Last updated: 10 August 2008