The Sea Horse

The Sea Horse original: "海馬" (Haima). In this historical context, this refers to a mythical aquatic horse rather than the small fish known today.. The Classic of Mountains and Seas original: "山海經" (Shanhaijing) says that within the North Sea there is a beast shaped like a horse that is also an excellent runner. For this reason, those who incorporate the Sea Horse into the patterns of their official robes original: "服色" (fuse), referring to the decorative motifs on bureaucratic or military uniforms do so to symbolize this exceptional speed. Some say the Taotu original: "騊駼", a legendary wild horse of the northern steppes is also a horse renowned for its running ability and is, in fact, the same creature as the Sea Horse.

Furthermore, the Book of Sui original: "隋書" (Suishu), the official historical record of the Sui Dynasty records that in the Western Regions, the Tuyuhun people original: "土谷渾", a nomadic kingdom lived near Qinghai original: "青海", literally "Blue Sea," referring to Qinghai Lake. Within this "sea" is a small mountain. It was their custom to wait until the winter ice froze over and then release their mares onto the island. It was said that by doing so, they could obtain dragon-seed offspring original: "龍種" (longzhong), referring to horses of divine or supernatural lineage. Legend has it they once obtained a Persian horse and released it into the "sea," where it sired a piebald colt original: "驄駒" (congju) capable of traveling a thousand miles in a single day. Consequently, people at that time referred to these remarkable steeds as "Sea Horses."

Classic of Mountains and Seas: An ancient Chinese compilation of mythic geography and beasts, serving as a primary source for legendary zoology. Tuyuhun: A powerful nomadic state established by the Xianbei people, located in the modern-day Qinghai and Gansu provinces. Dragon-seed: A poetic term for horses believed to have been fathered by dragons or water spirits, representing the highest quality of steed available to the empire.