Page Thirty-Two

Spirits and Mythological Tribes [Continued]


Xiangliu original: "相柳氏" (Xiāngliǔ Shì). A monstrous nine-headed serpent and minister to the rebellious water god Gonggong. Legend says his venom was so potent that any land he touched became a desolate, stinking marsh where no crops could grow.	Dijiang original: "帝江" (Dìjiāng). A primordial deity of chaos, often associated with the concept of "Hundun." He is described as resembling a yellow sack or a red ball of fire, possessing six legs and four wings, but lacking a face or sensory organs—yet he understands music and dance perfectly.	The Dark-skinned People original: "黑人" (Hēirén). In the context of ancient Chinese cosmographies, this refers to a legendary kingdom in the far south where the inhabitants were said to have skin as black as lacquer and survived on the fruit of the "Tree of Immortality."


Shebi original: "奢比" (Shē Bǐ). Also known as Shebishī, a deity or spirit often depicted with a human face, the ears of a dog, and the body of a beast. Some traditions associate him with the management of the weather or the transition between life and death.	Qiangliang original: "強良" (Qiángliáng). A formidable deity of the North, described as having a tiger's head on a human body, known for catching and eating snakes.	Jiaochong original: "驕蟲" (Jiāo Chóng). The presiding deity of Mount Jiyi and the master of all stinging insects, such as bees and wasps. He is traditionally depicted as a creature with two heads and a human torso.