彡 Good day.

╰ · ─ ── ─ ── ─── · ╯

Probably many of you have met

dragons in the mythology of Asian countries.

However, the values ​​in each country

these mythical creatures

Today we will fully understand

the whole essence of the Korean dragon.

· . Enjoy your acquaintance.

︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶

· . Definition.

Korean dragon is one of the

main creatures of korean

mythology.

The dragon has its own

individual traits, some

of which are associated with the most

Chinese dragon, most

looks like korean

externally and symbolically

mythology.

In mythology, Korean dragon

presented to us as good

creature, and meanwhile in

other cultures of eastern countries

dragons are associated with

destruction and fire.

Dragons live in rivers and seas

and high ponds, which

are located near the mountains.

Dragons are associated not only with

mythology.

They are also mentioned in Korean

art.

Emperors were associated with

and kings (Vanir) -

with phoenixes.

In some ancient legends

and legends also occur

talking dragons.

These creatures had

ability to experience

human feelings are like that

like love, devotion,

gratitude, etc.

︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶

· . Types of dragons.

Mentioned in Korean literature

ancient Korean folklore.

Until the end of the 19th century he was

bilingual: created in

official literary language

Hanmune,

and also in Korean.

"Ode to a Dragon Flying to Heaven"

was the first work

written in Korean

alphabet.

︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶

. · Now let's look at some types of Korean dragons:

Yongwan was the ruler of the water

elements, and also mentioned

like the king of all dragons.

According to ancient legends, he

lives in an underwater palace.

Among his treasures stood out

the pearl that performed

dreams and protected the dragon from

dangers.

Even though Yongwan lived under

water, he is without any obstacles

could move on the ground, and

also sometimes the dragon flies around

According to ancient belief, this

the event foreshadowed a change

ruler, but now it is

an ordinary legend.

He was considered one of those spirits

which bring happiness.

In the kingdom of the dragon, shelter

The sun and moon were also found.

And if desired, Yongwan could

invite even people to your

kingdom, if that's his

interested.

︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶

彡 Kanchkhori.

Kanchori was a subject

However, unlike the latter,

was quite angry.

This dragon led

plant drought and death.

Following one Korean

giving: "Wherever you go

Kanchkhori, hearty autumn everywhere

will turn into a hungry spring."

︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶

彡 Kuronyi.

Kuronyi in mythology was considered

big snake.

His presence in the house was

happy sign based on

a precious stone that grew

on his head.

It was believed that due to this

Kuronyi's gem could live

more than a thousand years.

The flags are depicted with

four wings.

This creature was

totem of one of

ancient Korean houses.

Was also one of

ancient shamanic characters

mythology.

︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶

. · Differences between the Korean and Chinese dragon.

Despite the similarities between Korean

and Chinese dragons,

There were clear differences between them:

· ⚩ The number of claws in Korean and

Chinese dragon are different.

· ⚩ In China, the appearance of a dragon in a dream

women was considered a sign

the birth of a new hero, and in

Korea simply believed that it was

will bring happiness.

· . Predecessors of the Korean

dragons

To dragons by seas and oceans

ruled by the Mulkvisins, and

in other words - souls

drowned people

All spirits had different levels

strength, but were especially different

the following four:

· ⚩ Donghesin

· ⚩ Sohaesin

· ⚩ Namhaesin

· ⚩ Bukhesin

To all these spirits, of course,

sacrifices were required.

Typically, such rituals were performed

in spring or autumn with a request

eliminate floods or

unrest in the country.

During such rituals

used special

five-color ritual money;

they were thrown into the places where there was

The spirits who came, after

Yongwan, turned into five

brothers of different colors.

By ancient mythology, northern,

eastern, western and southern seas

had rulers in the form

dragons, their wives were called

yonpuins, and daughters -

yongun-agissami.

Among the servants there were commanders,

which were the pantheon

spirits of the water kingdom.

Sometimes even people were invited

there if it's Yongwana

interested.

︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶

· . The appearance of the first dragon.

According to ancient legends, it is believed

that the first dragon has come

not at all from China, like many

would guess.

The first dragon came from the country

Oceania from one ancient

tribe, which was also

their totem sign.

This event happened in

a kind of time of the Three Kingdoms.

thank you for your attention: sun_with_face:

︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶ ︶

╴╴╴╴╴╴╴╴╴╴╴╴

. ° ୭ , ⊹ ˚ ·

╴╴╴╴╴╴╴╴╴╴╴╴ ╴╴

Dragon (Korean 용, yon) is one of the types of mythological serpent that is associated with Korean mythology. The Korean dragon has a number of features specific to Korea that distinguish it from dragons of other cultures. The closest relative of the Korean dragon, both in appearance and in cultural significance, is the Chinese dragon.

While most dragons in Western mythology are usually associated with fire and destruction, Korean dragons in myths are usually seen as positive creatures that protect waters and rice fields. They are believed to bring rain to the earth. Korean dragons usually live in rivers, lakes, oceans or deep mountain ponds.

Mention of the dragon is ubiquitous in both Korean mythology and Korean art. In politics, the dragon represents the emperor, so the Vanir (kings) were prohibited from wearing jewelry with dragon symbols. The phoenix bird was commonly associated with the Vanir.

In ancient legends you can often find mention of talking dragons, dragons capable of experiencing such complex human feelings as devotion, kindness and gratitude. One of the Korean legends speaks of the great Wang Munmu, who on his deathbed wished to become the “Dragon of the Eastern Sea, whose goal is to protect Korea.”

The Korean dragon, unlike many dragons from other cultures, does not have wings, but has a long beard.

Occasionally, the dragon was represented holding in one of its paws a “dragon power”, known as Yeoiju (Korean: 여의주). According to legend, the daredevil who manages to take possession of Yeoiju will become omnipotent, but only four-fingered dragons (which have a thumb to hold the power) are so wise and strong that they can own Yeoiju. (A modern interpretation of this myth is shown in the movie "D-wars".)

As with Chinese dragons, the main number of Korean ones is nine. According to legend, they have 81 (=9x9) scales on their backs.

Encyclopedic YouTube

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5 Mythical Creatures That Possibly EXIST!

JAPANESE DRAGON and its differences from the European one

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Creatures close to dragons in Korean mythology

A close relative of the dragon in Korean mythology is Imoogi (Korean: 이무기). There are many legends dedicated to Imoogi: some, for example, say that they are hornless creatures similar to dragons, but due to the curse placed on them, they cannot become dragons; in others, one can find references to the fact that the Imoogi is a kind of “larval” dragon that will take one thousand years to become a full-fledged dragon. Sometimes they are depicted as giant, good-natured

Dragons of Korea and Japan

Japanese dragon in a 19th-century woodblock print
(Japanese dragon, Chinese school, 19th Century)

Korean Dragon King Yeongwang

Single-headed winged korean king dragons Yeongwan lives in a beautiful underwater palace. Its chambers are so spacious that the sun descends in them at night, and the moon during the day. Among the many treasures of Yongwan, the main one is the magic pearl; it fulfills any desires and protects from dangers.
Although Yongwan lives under water, he can easily move on land and sometimes fly into the sky. This does not happen so often and foreshadows a change in the imperial dynasty - that is, it used to foreshadow, in the old days, when Korea was still ruled by emperors. Now, of course, this belief does not count.
But Koreans still believe that seeing Yongwan in a dream is lucky. And if you scoop up water from the well where the king of dragons laid an egg, prosperity will reign in the house for a whole year.
There is another Korean sign, it is beautifully called “dragon plowing”. The fact is that in winter, water bodies in Korea are covered with ice. But the climate there is quite warm, the sun often shines even in winter, and the melted ice looks like a field plowed with a plow. People have long believed that this is the work of Yongwan. If the grooves on the ice are directed from south to north, the year promises to be fruitful. If from west to east - crop failure. In different directions - average. So thanks to the dragon king in Korea, the future harvest can be easily predicted.

Japanese dragon Tats-maki

« Tats-maki- horror good people“,” wrote Aimé Humbert, a Swiss diplomat, from Japan in the middle of the last century. “This is a huge dragon, mostly hiding in caves at the bottom of the sea; but sometimes it rises to the surface of the sea and suddenly flies into the sky; the confusion it creates in the air causes a destructive phenomenon known as typhon, or tornado.” It's probably a typhoon.

Japanese dragon Yamata no Orochi

Japanese dragon Yamata no Orochi for eight years in a row he terrified the country of Izumo, in the southwest of the island of Honshu in Japan, in the upper reaches of the Hi River. And he especially tormented one family, annually taking away and devouring a daughter from an old man and an old woman. They could not resist him, the dragon was too terrible.
In the ancient Japanese manuscript "Nihongi" the name of the dragon is indicated by ideograms that translate as "terrorist snake, eight-tailed, eight-headed." And Yamata no Orochi himself is described as follows: “His eyes are like cherries, he has a body with eight heads and eight tails, moss and trees grow on him. The dragon’s body covers eight valleys and eight hills, and its belly is bloody and engulfed in flames.”
And so, when the last, eighth daughter of the old men was about to go to be devoured by a monster, the divine hero Susanoono Mikoto, who descended from heaven, undertook to help the unfortunate family and all the inhabitants of Izumo. He ordered more sake, Japanese vodka, to be brewed, and poured the drink into eight large barrels. He placed the barrels on elevated platforms, surrounding each with a fence; in each fence there was one opening - for each of the dragon heads. Yamata no Orochi, sensing the enticing smell, crawled over and began drinking from eight barrels at once. Having drained them to the bottom, he became drunk and fell asleep, and then the cunning hero fearlessly approached the dragon and cut it into small pieces.

Yamata no Orochi (Orochi)

So the rescued girl went not to the dragon, but to the hero Susanoo. Moreover, in the middle tail of the monster Susanoo found the wonderful sword Kusanagi, which later became one of the sacred symbols of imperial power in Japan. Japanese swords and scabbards were often decorated with images of the mythological dragon.

Japanese dragon Rui (Ryu)

Similar to Chinese and Korean dragons, but with three claws instead of four. They are benevolent (with some exceptions) and can grant wishes. Rarely found in Japanese mythology. The Japanese believed that their dragons were so powerful that they traveled all over the world. They, unlike Chinese dragons, have three fingers. and it is believed that Chinese dragons originated from them (although the Chinese themselves believe that it is the other way around). The strongest and most powerful creatures on Earth, after the gods. Very beautiful, endowed with great knowledge and wisdom. They symbolize wealth, water and wisdom. Unlike European dragons, their bodies are long and thin, they lack wings, and their head resembles that of a horse with a huge mustache and no ears, with two horns. Dragons love to play with clouds and cause rainstorms and hurricanes. They are famous for their wealth and generosity. Dragons love pearls, and will do anything for a rare pearl.

Imoogi (이무기) original spelling of the name Imugi and its transliteration in Latinoriginal spelling of the name Imugi and its transliteration in Latinoriginal spelling of the name Imugi and its transliteration in Latinoriginal spelling of the name Imugi and its transliteration in Latin

Cole English spelling of the name "cole", under which the imoogi appears in the K. Pike trilogy "Alosha"English spelling of the name "cole", under which the imoogi appears in the K. Pike trilogy "Alosha"English spelling of the name "cole", under which the imoogi appears in the K. Pike trilogy "Alosha"English spelling of the name "cole", under which the imoogi appears in the K. Pike trilogy "Alosha"

Cole interpretation of the imoogi in K. Pike's trilogy "Alosha"interpretation of the imoogi in K. Pike's trilogy "Alosha"interpretation of the imoogi in K. Pike's trilogy "Alosha"interpretation of the imoogi in K. Pike's trilogy "Alosha"

There are many legends in Korea that talk about imoogi- huge sea creatures who dream of becoming dragons.

However, as befits a living and unsystematized mythology, a uniform interpretation of the image imoogi Koreans don't have it. Some legends, for example, say that imoogi there are hornless creatures similar to dragons, but unable to become them due to a curse. Other legends hold the idea that Imoogi are "pupas" or "larvae" of dragons. And they will become full-fledged and full-fledged dragons, having spent 1000 years in the ocean. In this interpretation imoogi they are depicted as giant, good-natured sea serpents that live in expanses of water or even in coastal caves.

And yes, according to legend, images imoogi bring good luck.

To help Koreans who do not have an established image imoogi American friends came and made a whole film about this little-known species of dragons, calling their work “D-War” (“Dragon War” / “Dinosaur War”, 2007). Leaving aside the questions of authenticity and correctness of interpretations, as well as the assessment of the artistic merits of the film, we will only note the interesting moral dimorphism imoogi in the film: evil imoogi darker in tone, thinner and has a rigid hood like that of a cobra; Kind imoogi- lighter, more massive and without a hood. And so yes - the imugs remain underdragons, who need a source of magical power in order to literally “ascend into the sky as a dragon.”

The second version of the American incarnation of dragons is offered by Christopher Pike in his Alosha trilogy. Here's the image imoogi is being developed under the creative pseudonym “

If there is a high mountain in the north, it is guarded by the Snake Turtle,
If there is a stream in the east, it is guarded by the Blue Dragon,
If there are cultivated fields in the south, they are guarded by the Red Swallow,
If there is a large highway in the west, it is guarded by White Tiger.
Such a place is sacred and is called “a place
guarded by four gods - kami" ("enshin-shugo").

This is a rather large topic dedicated to 4 guardian gods, and I’ll probably start with Seiryu - the god of Water (also known as the god of war). His incarnation is the Blue Dragon.

Its other names are Huang Long, Ryujin, Chung Ryong (Korean), Qing Long (Chinese), 青龍

Korean dragon

The emergence of its own writing in Korea. The fact is that the Koreans did not have their own language for a very long time and used the language of China, or rather its symbols, to denote their words. In 1443, King Seongjong ordered the creation of hongmincheon ("correct sounds for teaching the people";). In 1446, the result was published under the same name - "Hunminchon". So here's the first one literary work, written in the real Korean alphabet, was “Ode to a Dragon Flying to the Skies”, and it happened in 1445. From this book we can learn that the flight of the Korean dragon is apparently extremely rare, because as soon as it flies into the sky, the dynasty of emperors changes in Korea. Although at the same time, the dragon, as in China, is a symbol of the ruler.

A more complete post dedicated to the emperors of China

Korean dragon(용, Yon) has a number of features specific to Korea that distinguish it from dragons of other cultures. The closest relative of the Korean dragon, both in appearance and in cultural significance, is the Chinese dragon.
While most dragons in Western mythology are usually associated with fire and destruction, Korean dragons in myths are usually seen as positive creatures that protect waters and rice fields. They are believed to bring rain to the earth. Korean dragons usually live in rivers, lakes, oceans or deep mountain ponds “where there is a dragon, there is water, where there is water, there is a dragon.”
Mention of the dragon is ubiquitous in both Korean mythology and Korean art. In politics, the dragon represents the emperor, so the Vanir (kings) were forbidden to wear jewelry with dragon symbols. The phoenix bird was usually associated with the Vanir.
In ancient legends you can often find mention of talking dragons, dragons capable of experiencing such complex human feelings as devotion, kindness and gratitude. One of the Korean legends speaks of the great Wang Munmu, who on his deathbed wished to become the “Dragon of the Eastern Sea, whose goal is to protect Korea.”
The Korean dragon, unlike many dragons from other cultures, does not have wings, but has a long beard.
Occasionally, the dragon was represented as holding in one of its claws a “dragon power,” known as Yeiju (여의주). According to legend, the daredevil who manages to take possession of Yeoiju will become all-powerful, but only four-toed dragons (which have thumb in order to hold the power) are so wise and strong that they can own Yeoiju.
As with Chinese dragons, the main number of Korean ones is nine. According to legend, they have 81 (=9x9) scales on their backs.

If in China the appearance of a dragon in a woman’s dream means the birth of a hero or ruler, then in Korea it simply brings happiness to anyone.

As in China, Korean dragons come in five colors: green dragon (Chongnyeon) - the guardian of the East and Spring, red (Chongnyeon) and yellow (Hwannyeon) - guardians of the South and two phases of summer, Summer itself, and the End of Summer, white (Paengnyeon) - guardian of the West and Autumn, and black (Heungnyong) - guardian of the North and Winter. The gods harness these five and move on them both in the sky and on the water, which is similar to the Mongolian version, where Lu is sometimes considered simply a kind of “horses” of the gods.

You can read more about Korean dragons by following this link - elena-elk.narod.ru/Dragonology/Lessons/lesson44...

Creatures close to dragons in Korean mythology

A close relative of the dragon in Korean mythology is the Imoogi (이무기). There are many legends dedicated to Imoogi: some, for example, say that they are hornless creatures similar to dragons, but due to the curse placed on them, they cannot become dragons; in others, one can find references to the fact that the Imoogi is a kind of “larval” dragon that will take one thousand years to become a full-fledged dragon. Sometimes they are depicted as giant, benevolent snakes similar to pythons. They live in water or caves. According to legend, images of Imoogi bring good luck.
The Korean basilisk, known as gyoryong (계룡/鷄龍), which means rooster dragon, does not appear in Korean myths as often as the dragon. They are often depicted harnessed to a chariot driven by one of the legendary heroes of Korean myths. One of these myths talks about the founding of the kingdom of Silla - the first princess of this kingdom was born from a basilisk egg.

Chinese dragon

Chinese dragon(龍, lun) - in Chinese mythology and culture, a symbol of the good beginning of yang (as opposed to the European dragon) and the Chinese nation as a whole, strongly associated with the element of water. In honor of the dragon, an annual dragon boat festival has been established.
According to Chinese beliefs, the moon serpent lives in rivers, lakes and seas, but is also capable of soaring into the skies. Traces of the deity of moisture and rain, originally associated with the cult of fertility, clearly appear in it. Rituals for making rain were not complete without images of a dragon already in the 6th century. BC e.

The main dragon breeds are as follows:
Tianlong- A heavenly dragon who guards the palaces of the gods and carries them in chariots.
Fucanglong- The dragon of the hidden treasure that guards underground gems and metals and agitates the earth with volcanoes.
Dilong- An earthen dragon who rules the seas and rivers.
Shenlong- The divine dragon, on whom weather, wind, rain depend and which thunders from the sky.
The last two types of dragon in the popular imagination have merged into the figures of dragon kings, who have the body of a man and the head of a dragon. They live in the seas in the east (East China Sea), south (South China Sea), west (Indian Ocean) and north (probably Baikal).

As the king of animals, the dragon served as a symbol of imperial power. According to Chinese myth, Yellow Emperor At the end of his life he turned into a dragon and soared into the skies. A real emperor should have a birthmark in the shape of a dragon. The imperial throne of many dynasties was called the dragon throne. During the Qing Dynasty, the Chinese dragon adorned the state banner. For wearing clothes with dragon figures, a commoner was subject to the death penalty.

Nine sons of the dragon

By the 16th century, Chinese authors had brought together several fantastic creatures, some of which had long appeared in Chinese sculpture or decorative arts, under the collective title “Nine Sons of the Dragon” (龙生九子). There are several variations of this list. According to one tradition, presented in the book Sheng'an Weiji (升庵外集) by the poet Yang Shen (1488-1559), the sons of the dragon, in order of seniority, are listed as follows:

1. Bisi(赑屃, bìxì) Bisi likes to carry heavy things, and that is why steles are placed on him.
2. Chiwen(螭吻, chīwěn) Chiwen loves to swallow, and so he is placed at the ends of the ridge of the roof so that he swallows all the bad things.
3. Pulao(蒲牢, pulao) Pulao loves to shout, and that is why bells are hung for him.
4. Bian(狴犴, bì"àn) Bian is powerful and loves justice, and therefore he is placed above the prison doors.
5. Taote(饕餮, tāotiè) Taote is a mysterious ancient monster who loves to eat, and whose mask appears on the sacrificial vessels of the Shang and Zhou dynasties.
6. Basya(𧈢𧏡, bāxià) Basya loves water, and therefore he is placed on bridge supports, near springs, etc.
7. Yazi(睚眦, yázì) Yazi is a predatory beast that loves to kill, and therefore the handles of bladed weapons are decorated with it.
8. Suanni(狻猊, suānní) Suanni likes to sit, and is therefore usually placed sitting at the feet of a Buddha or bodhisattva.
9. Jiaotu(椒图, jiaotu) Jiaotu is like a sea shell and does not like to be disturbed; therefore it is placed on door handles or thresholds.

A slightly different collection of varieties of dragon “relatives”:

1 . Pu-lao, carved at the top of the bells and gongs, speaks of his “habit” of screaming loudly when attacked by his main enemy - the whale;
2. Chiu-niu carved on violin pegs because of his love of music;
3. Pi-hsi carved into the top of stone tablets because of his love for literature. It also expressed the female and male turtle leaning towards the mountain, and was used as a pedestal for gravestones with the head pointing in all directions. This is a river god endowed with supernatural powers;
4. Pa-xya carved into the bottom of stone monuments, as it was believed to be capable of lifting enormous weights;
5. Chao-feng carved on the eaves of temples, as it was believed that he was able to see danger;
6. Sneeze-wen carved on bridge railings due to its attraction to water. Also, his image can be seen on the roofs of houses, as it was believed that he was able to protect the home from fire. It stands alert with its mouth open and is sometimes symbolically depicted as a fish figure with its tail raised;
7. Suan-ni carved on the Buddha's throne due to his predisposition to rest. He is also identified with Chih-tsu, i.e. with a symbolic lion;
8. Yai-tsu carved on the surface of the saber blade at the point where the blade connects to the hilt. He was depicted on a saber because of his passion for battle;
9. Pi-kan carved on the prison gates, as he had a penchant for court and disputes and liked to use his strength and energy in a state of anger. Has a scaly chest and horn.

Usually the eastern dragon is depicted with a pearl - the emblem of the sun, which he either swallows or hangs around his neck. This pearl contains his power, and if the pearl is taken away or stolen, the monster becomes helpless. The pearl is the source of the dragon's energy, and also helps the dragon rise into the sky, it is capable of multiplying everything it touches. This pearl symbolized another treasure hidden from view - wisdom.

The pearl is also considered a symbol of the Moon. The Chinese explained the full lunar cycle in this way: supposedly the heavenly dragon releases the moon more or less from its mouth.

The Japanese, like the Chinese and Koreans, believed in guardian spirits protecting the cardinal directions. Therefore, in setting up camps and building cities, the Japanese were guided by the theory of the five primary elements.
It is interesting that Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and other prosperous cities and villages are located with infallible precision in places considered suitable from the point of view of the patronage of the four deities.

Japanese dragon

Kirin

On the Internet - on blogs and forums - it is often stated that the Japanese dragon is a kirin . But this is not true. Kirin is a Japanese unicorn, a creature with the head of a dragon, the body of a deer and wings, having the hooves of a horse, one horn on its head and a skin of five colors. Very often the scales are replaced by spots, like those of a deer. Modern Japanese use this word to call a giraffe.
Kirin, a Japanese unicorn, was borrowed from Chinese mythology during the development of the Onmyodo (Way of Yin and Yang) teachings, about 1200 years ago. According to Chinese mythology, it is a creature with the head of a dragon, the body of a deer and wings, having the hooves of a horse, one horn on its head and a skin of five colors. Very often the scales are replaced by spots, like those of a deer.

Kirin - mythical creature, personifying the desire for a generous harvest and personal security. Kirin is a famous animal, a good messenger, and also a symbol of longevity, nobility, happiness, gifted offspring and wise rule. He is a fierce follower of justice and law, and that he sometimes appeared in court, killed the guilty and saved the innocent. To this day, every spring, the ritual dance “Kirin Lion” is performed in one of the temples in the city of Tottori. While dancing, the “lion” strives to soar up and fly into the heavens. Perhaps, even today in Japan, the kirin is considered a messenger, conveying to God the desire to receive a generous harvest, to live in prosperity and security.

Kirin is the most important animal deity. In Japan, the four guardian gods - the Azure Dragon Seiryu (Lord of the East), the Scarlet Phoenix Suzaku (Lord of the South), the Black Turtle Genbu (Lord of the North) and the White Tiger Byakko (Lord of the West) - included a fifth deity, both crowning the pentagram and standing in the center of the square of the Guardians of the Sides of Light, uniting and harmonizing their forces. This deity becomes the Lord of Nature Kirin (the actual Japanese development of the doctrine of opposition, interpenetration and indivisibility of Yin and Yang). In Japan, Kirin, unlike the Chinese Qilin, acquired much more “aggressive” features. So, for example, the ability to demand sacrifice for the bestowal of strength began to be attributed to him.

Japanese dragon(竜 or りゅう or リュウ, Ryu) - has three toes on each paw, which distinguishes them from other dragons of Eastern mythology.

One of the most famous Japanese dragons - Yamata no Orochi山多の大蛇. According to legend, for seven years in a row he terrified the country of Izumo in the upper reaches of the Khi River in the southwest of the island. Honshu, devouring the daughters of the earthly god Ashinazuchi (Old Man Stroking Feet) and his wife Tenazuchi (Old Woman Stroking Hands). The god Susanoo no Mikoto, who appeared in the eighth year, agreed with his parents to kill the dragon, asking their last daughter, Kushinada-Hime, as a reward. In the ancient Japanese manuscript "Nihongi" the name of the dragon is indicated by ideograms that translate as "terror serpent, eight-tailed, eight-headed." And Yamata no Orochi himself is described as follows: “His eyes are like cherries, he has a body with eight heads, moss and trees grow on him. The dragon’s body covers eight valleys and eight hills, and its belly is bloody and engulfed in flames.” Susanoo no Mikoto gave the dragon sake from eight barrels to drink, and when he fell asleep drunk, he killed him, cutting him into small pieces. In one of the tails he found the Kusanagi sword (Murakumo no Tsurugi - Heavenly Sword from the Clouds), which he presented to his sister, the Sun Goddess Amaterasu.
The Japanese dragon differs from the Chinese qi-lin only in that it has three toes on its paws instead of five, while the Korean dragon has four toes. Important has the color of a dragon. Yellow dragons are taller than imperial ones and are a symbol of the center of the Earth. Golden dragons bring wealth, wisdom and kindness. Blue and green are symbols of Spring, they bring good luck and good health. Red is associated with storms, the south, summer, the heart, it is a symbol of fire, activity and good luck. The black dragon is associated with storms, the north, winter, revenge and restlessness. White represents autumn, mourning and death.
Fuku Riu- Japanese dragon of luck. Not all Japanese dragons need to be watched out for. For example, the Japanese dragon of luck Fuku Riu can hardly be called ferocious. Meeting him is favorable for activating good luck, prosperity and abundance.
The Dragon Ryo Wo. The Ryo Wo dragon comes from the Shinto religion and is a sea serpent. He is known for his nobility and wisdom, and is the guardian of the Sinto faith. People who died at sea were reported to have resided in his kingdom - Ryo Wo has an underwater palace.