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A qilin, also spelled kylin (麒麟; pinyin: qi2 lin2; Cantonese: kay-lun; Hokkien: kee lin), is a mythical hooved Chinese creature that is said to appear in conjunction with the arrival of a sage. It is a good omen that brings Rui4 (瑞, roughly translated to 'serenity' and 'prosperity'). It is often depicted with what looks like fire all over its body. It is also known as a kirin in Japan.

1 The nature of the beast

Although it looks fearsome, the qilin only punishes the sinners. It can walk on grass and yet not trample the blades and it can also walk on water. Being a peaceful creature, its diet does not include flesh.

2 Variations

There are variations in the appearance of the qilin, even as seen in a single country such as China, owing to cultural differences between dynasties.

2.1 Ming dynasty example

In the Ming dynasty of China (1368–1644) the qilin is represented as an oxen-hooved animal with a dragon-like head surmounted by a pair of horns and flame–like head ornaments.

2.2 A Qing dynasty example

The qilin of China's subsequent Manchurian dominated Qing dynasty (1644–1911) is a much more fanciful animal. Manchurian depictions of the qilin depict a creature with the head of a dragon, the antlers of a deer, the skin and scales of a fish, the hooves of an ox and tailThe word tail in the English language has a number of meanings: "Tail" is often used to describe the rear end of an animal's body, especially when it forms a distinct, flexible appendage to the trunk. It is the part of the body that roughly corresponds to of a lionThe Lion Panthera leo is a mammal of the family Felidae. The male lion, who is easily recognized by his mane, may weigh up to 250 kg (550 lb). Females are much smaller, weighing up to only 180 kg (400 lb). In the wild lions live for around 10 14 years, wh.

2.3 In Japan

In Japanese, the qilin is called a kirin. Japanese art tends to depict the qilin as more deer-like than in Chinese art. The word kirin has come to be used in modern JapaneseThe Japanese language is a spoken and written language used mainly in Japan. The Japanese name for the language is Nihongo . History and classification Historical linguists do not all agree about the origin of the Japanese language; there are several comp for a giraffeThe Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis is an even-toed ungulate mammal and the tallest of all land living animal species. Males can be 4. 5 metres tall and weigh up to 900 kilograms. Females are generally slightly shorter and weigh less. Native to Africa, the.

Interestingly, in the Chinese hierarchy of mythological animals, the qilin is ranked as the second-most powerful creature after the dragonThe Chinese dragon (; pinyin: long2; Cantonese: loong; Hokkien: leng) is a mythical creature. Long a potent symbol of auspicious power in Chinese folklore and art, it is the embodiment of the concept of yang and associated with the weather and water as th, but in Japan, the kirin occupies the top spot.

For other uses of the word "kirin" see the KirinFor the mythical beast of Japanese culture see the article concerning the Chinese Qilin. The word kirin has come to be used in modern Japanese for a giraffe. Kirin Brewery is also a Japanese brewing company named after the Japanese pronunciation of the qi article.