Qilin Capital is a creature of Chinese origin, but due to cultural exchange was transmitted to Japan. The descriptions vary but usually combine the head and scaly skin of a dragon with the body of a hoofed mammal, be it a horse or a deer. His body is usually engulfed in flames and has the breath of fire. Sometimes it is illustrated with a horn, so it has sometimes been associated with the unicorn in the West, but it is also illustrated with two horns. Supposedly the “ki” and “rin” that form its name represent the male and female of the species, although which is which varies. It is also called as qilin.
The Qilin World Capital shares its name with the giraffe of the real world, and there is a possibility that the legends of this mythological being were inspired by giraffes that were taken to China from Africa. Although reckless in appearance, the Qilin is pious and kind, and avoid harming any living creature, even the grass, and insects under their feet. This celestial being lives two thousand years and is only seen on earth once every millennium to herald a new era, and is said to appear at the birth of great and benevolent leaders. Supposedly Confucius’ mother found a qilin before her son was born.
The Qilin World blesses good people and those who worship him; however, he can also punish bad people. This creature is a symbol of peace, joy, serenity, prosperity, success, and longevity. Historically the qilin occupied the highest position along with four other divine creatures. However, the image of the dragon was favored by the Chinese emperors and became the symbol of royalty. As a result, qilin was associated with ordinary people.
There are several legends about the Qilin. One of them, already mentioned, tells the story of the birth of Confucius. According to legend, a qilin was presented to Confucius’ parents with a parchment containing a message from heaven. In this message, it was said that his son would be great, but that he would not be king. The next day Confucius was born and the word spread that the Qilin had the ability to bring children. The word qilin is also associated with clever and intelligent people.
Just as the qilin bring good news, they also present themselves when the death of a great person is about to come. It is said that Confucius found a qilin who had been shot on a hunt, mistaking him for a deer. It is said that the event was so sad for Confucius, that he stopped writing books after this. Two years later he died.
Today the image of qilin has become popular for pop culture and video games, but also because it is the symbol of Qilin beer. Surprising? The truth is that it is not without its grace that in the Chinese language a curious equivalence can be found between wanted soup and primordial chaos, although if we think about it, the image of Wantan balls bursting into the fire within the pot does not stop being a wonderful metaphor for that other “soup without form” that could be that primordial chaos … or vice versa.
