Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Birds and Beasts

The Xiezhi

On Mount Dongwang original: "東望山" (Dongwangshan), literally "East-Watching Mountain." there lives the Xiezhi, a divine beast. It has existed since the era of Emperor Yao A legendary sage-king of ancient China (c. 2300 BCE) who is a symbol of the perfect, moral ruler.. This creature has the ability to "touch the wicked" This refers to the beast's legendary habit of goring or striking those who are guilty or unjust with its horn.. In appearance, it is like a sheep with a single horn and four legs. It is said that when a ruler's legal cases and litigations are fair and impartial, the creature will appear.

The traditions of the Censorate original: "御史臺" (Yushitai), the high-level supervisory agency in imperial China responsible for investigating corruption and maintaining law. state that the "legal cap" original: "法冠" (faguan) worn by the Censors is also known by the name "Xiezhi." It is a divine sheep and possesses one horn. The King of Chu A ruler of the ancient southern state of Chu during the Zhou Dynasty. once famously captured one.

Xiezhi: A mythological creature representing justice. Divine Beast: A supernatural creature of high moral standing. Yao: A legendary sage-king. Censor: An imperial official who oversaw the conduct of other officials. King of Chu: A historical monarch of ancient China.