 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (March 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
The Sin-you (Jap. 神羊, shin'yō, also called Hiai Chai, Chiai Tung, or Kai Tsi) is a mythical creature known throughout various East Asian cultures.
The appearance of the Sin-you is similar to that of a Qilin, but more feral and imposing. It is a large quadruped with a feline or ovine body, a shaggy mane, and is either depicted with hooves or feline paws (the latter often to stress its difference from the Qilin). It has a single, unbranching horn in the center of its head, like a western unicorn. The Sin-you’s eyes are said to be very intense and imposing, figuratively burning into whomever it gazes at in a predatory fashion.
The Sin-you is highly symbolic of justice, and is believed to have the power to know if a person is lying or know if they are guilty with a glance. It sometimes depicted at court beside the ruler or judge: if a person told a falsehood in its presence, it would leap forward and impale the perjurer though the heart with its horn. In other instances, the judge would put convicted murderers before the Sin-you, who would slay them in the same fashion if they were truly the perpetrator, but leave the innocent unharmed.
Gallery
References
- lair2000. "Chinese Unicorns in Types of Unicorns in Unicorn Dreams at Lair2000". lair2000.net. Retrieved 2018-01-04.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
- Rose, Carol M. (2001). Giants, Monsters, and Dragons: An Encyclopedia of Folklore, Legend, and Myth. New York: W.W. Norton & Company. p. 377. ISBN 0-393-32211-4.
- South, Malcolm (1987). Mythical and fabulous creatures: a source book and research guide. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press. pp. 16. ISBN 0-313-24338-7.
- Leeming, David Adams (1997). Storytelling Encyclopedia: Historical, Cultural, and Multiethnic Approaches to Oral Traditions Around the World. Phoenix, Ariz: Oryx Press. pp. 474. ISBN 1-57356-025-1.
- Gould, Charles (2009). Mythical Monsters. BiblioLife. pp. 357–359. ISBN 0-559-10836-2.
- Conway, D. J. (2001). Magickal Mystical Creatures: Invite Their Powers Into Your Life. Saint Paul: Llewellyn Publications. p. 25. ISBN 1-56718-149-X.