Justbec
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Dragon Tales
Acolyte and the Girl
Region: Kamakura, Japan
Time Period:
References in Literature: None
Sources: "The Tale of Dojoji"
The acolyte of a priest of the Wakamiya Temple was the object of a girl's love, but when he did not return her affections, she fell ill and died. Her parents kept the ashes in a box for later burial.
Soon after her death, the acolyte, too became ill and during his infirmity his parents heard voices and when they sneaked a peak inside, they found the boy talking with a serpent. Not long after this discovery, he, too, died.
After services, his parents found that his body was so entangled with a serpent that they had to bury the two bodies as one and later the girl's parents, too, found that her bones had changed into small snakes.
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3/12/2009, 10:07 am
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Justbec
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…
The Dragon's Nine Sons
According to legend, a dragon (or a dragon king) had Nine Sons. Although there has been disagreement on their names, their personalities have almost always been the same.
Baxia is said to be a good swimmer; hence, his picture is often found on such things as bridges. Other stories name this dragon Ba-Sha. When he was visited by his father the dragon king, he proved himself to be a strong swimmer. Now he can be seen perched on bridges crossing China's waters, watching those in boats.
Bixi can be found on baskets and packs, for he is a grand pack-animal.
Chiwen has great sight and loves to gaze in the distance. Pinnacles bare his image. An alternative story names this dragon as Chi Wen, and he would do nothing all day but stand upon the roof and stare into the distance. The Dragon King, upon seeing his son, though it was no way for the son of a dragon king to behave. So, he gave his son the job of being the sentinel on roof tops, searching for potential danger.
Haoxian is a reckless adventuror, so the eves of palaces are decorated with him. In other stories, this dragon is named Bei-She, and he did not all day but challenge peasants in competitions to prove his great strength and to see if anyone is strong than him. His father, upon witnesses his trials, saw that his strength could be put to good use. And, to this day, his image is carved on columns that support some of China's greatest buildings.
Jiaotu is tight-lipped. Doors bear his image. In another story, his name was Tiao Tu. When his father tried to visit him, he was meet with many barriers because Taio Tu lived behind high walls and did not come to the door. After a long trial, the dragon king was able to enter the building. He saw that his son had a great skill at protecting the home, so now his image is carved over entryways to people's homes or businesses to protect them.
Pulao had a grand roar; therefore, his figure is carved onto bells.
Qiuniu decorates musical instraments because he loves music. In another story, Pulao and Qiuniu were the same dragon, called Pu-Lao. He did nothing but make monsterous noises all day, to the point of the local villagers summoning the dragon king, his father, to speak to him. The dragon king observed that his son did not have a bad voice, it just needed to be tamed. Now he adorns musial instruments and bells, assuring their sound will be loud and true.
Suanmi can bee seen on inscence burners, for he is fond of smoke and fire. According to another legend, his name was Sua Ni. The local villagers sent a messanger to the dragon king telling him his son would do nothing but play with fire all day. When he visited the village, he saw Sua Ni explain to small children the importance of fire while he tended to a fire that he believed would burn for eternity. Seeing that his son had great potential, he gave him a special job. His image now remains on pots and stands that hold incense and other things during religious ceremonies.
Yazi can be found on weapons, like knives and swords, for he is very warlike and brave. In other stories, he is known as Ya Zi, the seventh son of the dragon king. People were afraid of him because he yelled and hollered all day. When the dragon king found out about this, he paid his son a visit and saw that his warlike visage would be perfect for the military. Now weapons bare his image to strike fear in the country's enemies.
In some stories, the dragons not only have other names, they have other jobs. For example, there is a dragon son named Tao-Tieh. His father visited him one day to see him cooking a stew for the local villagers. When he tasted the soup, he saw that his son had a great talent. No Tao-Tieh protects the places where food is prepared or served.
Another dragon was named Bi-An, and the dragon king never heard any complaint of him. One day, he visited his son anyway, and he witnessed his son settling a dispute between two merchants. He carefully weighed their goods. The dragon king immediately saw that this son was wise and eloquent. Now this son is carved over doorways to great prisons, ensuring only the guilty are inside.
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Last edited by Justbec, 3/12/2009, 10:14 am
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3/12/2009, 10:08 am
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Justbec
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Location: Paradise Lost
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…
Abrasax
Alternative Names: Anbraxas
Origin: Persia
Type/Species: Hydra
Origin: Persian Mythology
History: This creature resides in Persian Mythology, where he is described as being a croass between a two-legged dragon and a serpent. In addition, he had the head of a ****erel. His weapon was a whip. Abrasax was often refered to as some sort of demon, as he was known for having a poor temper.
Abrasax means "supreme being", and the sum of the letters (Greek) of the name equals 365. So, even though regarded as some to be a demon, Abrasax was the Lord of the 365 Virtues. Obviously, one of these virtues is prominant for each day of the year.
He is further remembered by having his name engraved on gems. These are commonly called Abraxas Stones and are usually used for talismans.
Symbolism: Abrasax holds the symbol of virtue and of power. Being known to have a bad temper, he almost has a bit of duality to him.
Physical Description: He was a cross of a serpent and a two-legged dragon, and he had the head of a ****erel.
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3/17/2009, 10:36 am
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Justbec
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Re: Dragon Tales
Jilocasin
During the reign of Charlemagne, there lived in the region of Gascony a very old and wise dragon called Jilocasin, who was a poet. Every so often, Jilocasin would abandon his confortable and spacious dwelling and take a human form to visit the King's court. There he was a well-known and respected troubadour, and he made the most of these brief sejourns to sing his verses and listen to the creations of the other poets. Then he would return to his home in Gascony, where he could compose in peace and lead a peaceful life far from the world.
One day, he was travelling through the forest of Gascony disguised as a troubadour, when he heard a desperate cry of help. Without losing a moment he ran in the direction of the screams and came across a poor woman who was trying to defend herself against some bandits. Jilocasin changed back into a dragon and with two blows he finished off the ruffians. The woman had fainted from her injuries, and the dragon lifted her onto his back and flew speedily back to his dwelling.
Jilocasin's servants took care of the lady, whose clothes, although they were torn and dirty, were those of a lady of high rank.
On undoing the bundle which the woman clasped to her breast, they found a baby only few weeks old slumbering peacefully, oblivious to everything.
Thanks to the care and solicitude of the servants, the woman soon came to, and Jilocasin took on his human shape to visit his protegée. The lady expressed her gratitude and told him her story. She had been widowed within two years of marriage, and her family had forced her to marry her cousin, an unscruppulous man who was interested only in inheriting the title and wealth of her deceased husband.
The wedding was celebrated in haste, before the mourning period prescribed by law had been observed.
'But I wass pregnant by my first husband, something which my cousin did not knows', explained the woman, weeping. 'When the baby was born, six month after the forced wedding, my husband tried to seize the baby to prevent him threatening his inheritance. Fearing for the life of my son, I ran away, but the villain pursued me with his henchmen, and he almost succeeded in killing the child.
Fortunately, you saved us, and now my life belongs to you.'
Touched by the grief and beauty of the woman, Jilocasin offered her support and shelter in his house.
Time passed, and the dragon-troubadour and the lady became inseparable. The beautiful fugitive was aware of Jilocasin's true identity, but she was so taken by his kindness and amiability that it did not affect her love for him. Meanwhile, the dragon found in her the understanding and friendship he always sought. Jilocasin and the lady would go for a long walks together, and sometimes the dragon would carry her on his back and they would visit far-off lands. Together they rode, loved, and sang the verses which the dragon-poet composed. They spent three happy years in this way. To complete her happiness, the woman became pregnant. They were both looking forward to the birth of their son, but the lady died in childbirth. Jilocasin was inconsolable. He had lost an irreplaceable companion, the only woman who loved him as he was.
Faithful to her memory, the dragon cared for the two boys without making any distinction between his adoptive son and his own son. He taught them the highest principles and, after a while, present them at court to be armed knights.
The two brothers, who chose to be called the Knights of the Dragon, were famous for their nobility and honour, and they finally avenged their mother's memory by capturing the castle which their villainous uncle had stolen from them.
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7/6/2009, 9:24 am
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