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Even in China, there are appearances of the unicorn. Called the Ch'i-lin (or K'i-lin), it is one of the four spiritual animals - the others being the dragon, phoenix and tortoise. The chi'i-lin is described as having the body of a deer, the tail of a cow or ox, and the hooves of a horse. Its single horn was fleshy and curved back over its head. Some are described as having brightly colored scales while others have multi-colored hair. It was always viewed as a benevolent creature. The ch'i-lin brought important messages to the humans and its appearance was seen as a good potent.
The ch'i-lin (the ch'i part for male, the lin part for female) was the king of land animals and as such symbolized strength and wisdom. There were stories of how this creature could run as fast as the speed of light or walk on grass without crushing it. They were believed to have the ability to see into the hearts of men and know the guilty, and though the ch'i-lin was compassionate and loved peace, it would use its horn to slice a guilty man to pieces.
The ch'i-lin was seen for the first time in 2697 BC wandering the palace halls of the emperor Huang-ti. The years that followed were known as the 'lucky years'. Under Huang-Ti's reign, musical instruments were invented, the people learned how to build houses out of bricks, and the scattered Chinese tribes were united for the first time. The ch'i-lin showed itself to the emperor a second and final time to carry him to the land of the dead.
The ch'i-lin was also said to have appeared sometime in the 6th centurary BC in a temple before a young girl named Yen Tschen-Tsai. It showed her that she would give birth to a 'king without a throne'. Sometime later she bore a son that was named Konfuzius (Confusius). He grew up to found what is known as Confusiusm.
The ki'rin is the Japanese version of the ch'i-lin and is said to appear in courts where it slays the guilty and frees the innocent.
| Monoceros - the Unicorn of the Stars |
| Magic of the Unicorn - Some of my own thoughts on the Unicorn. |
| Island of the Adopted - Here are some of my adopted unicorns and other creatures. |
