Yinglong Legend: The Creation Epic of Chinese Dragon

Divine Dragon Analysis

Yinglong: The most meritorious creation deity in Chinese mythology, described in Shan Hai Jing as having “wings on back, scaly body with spinal spines”. As totem of the Yellow Emperor’s tribe, its image combines lightning worship (Huainanzi “thunder god in Leize”) and crocodile reverence (Oracle Bone Script “dragon” prototype).

Mythological Origins

1. Primitive roots: Direct evolution from Hongshan culture jade dragons (4000 BCE)
2. Literary expression: Zhou Yi Qian hexagram “soaring dragon in heaven”
3. Tribal symbol: Became victory icon during Yellow Emperor’s wars
4. Taoist divinity: Head of “Eastern Seven Constellations” in Yunji Qiqian

Classic Legends

1. Battle of Zhuolu (Shan Hai Jing):
   • Drew rivers with tail to trap Chiyou’s army
   • Breathed fire to incinerate Jiuli tribe
   • Slayed Chiyou and Kuafu
2. Dayu’s Flood Control (Taiping Yulan): -Dredged Yellow River with dragon tail
   • Carried “Xirang” soil to block floods
   • Revealed “Hetu Luoshu” to Yu
3. Ascension Myth (Records of the Grand Historian):
   • Descended when Yellow Emperor cast tripod
   • Carried emperor to heaven
   • Broken whiskers became “dragon beard grass”

Mythological Relationships

Pangu (Creator) ── Fuxi (Cultural Ancestor)
                └─ Yellow Emperor (First Emperor)
                       ├─ Yinglong (War & Water Dragon)
                       ├─ Nuba (Drought Goddess)
                       └─ Wind & Rain Gods

Literary Reflections

• Earliest record: Shan Hai Jing·Dahuang Bei Jing
• Philosophical elevation: Zhou Yi·Qian Gua “ride six dragons to command heaven”
• Historical record: Records of the Grand Historian·Tian Guan Shu
• Opera performance: Peking Opera Qingshi Shan (Yinglong as demon-queller)

Cultural Heritage

Dragon Head-Raising Festival: 2nd day of 2nd lunar month

• Practices:
  • Dragon lantern dances (Qing Jialu)
  • Dragon King sacrifices (Dijing Suishi Jisheng)
  • Eating “dragon beard noodles” for regeneration
• Heritage status: “Dragon Dance” listed as National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008
• Global influence: Vietnamese “Raising the Dragon’s Head” festival shares cultural roots

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