I. The Celestial Steed of Speed
1. Biological Features
Appearance: Horse-like body with a dragon’s head, fiery red-gold mane, translucent wings, cloud-patterned hooves, and bronze-colored eyes.
Abilities: Flies faster than sound (Huainanzi records it “traveling without touching the ground”), traverses time-space rifts (Liezi describes it “roaming beyond the eight wildernesses”), and shatters metal with its roar.
2. Mythological Origins
Literary Sources:
- First mentioned in Shan Hai Jing·Overseas South Classic: “In the south lies a beast called Jianma, shaped like a horse with a dragon’s head and bird’s wings, feeding on tigers and leopards.”
- Classified as the “Heavenly Steed Star Spirit” in Jiao’s Yi Lin, symbolizing the Fang constellation.
Evolution: Initially viewed as the Thunder God’s mount (Lun Heng mentions “thunder chariot Jianma”), later incorporated into the Taoist “Thirty-Six Beasts” system in Yunji Qiqian.
II. Legendary Narratives
1. Yellow Emperor’s Battle Against Chi You
During the Battle of Zhuolu, Jianma carried celestial books from the Goddess of Nine Heavens through thick fog, helping the Yellow Emperor master the “Eight-Trigram Formation”. It was later enshrined as “Heavenly Horse General”, with its image cast on bronze tripods.
2. King Mu’s Western Expedition
Among King Mu’s eight divine steeds, Jianma was the fastest, carrying Zao Fu to meet the Queen Mother of the West in Kunlun in a single day. Its hoof prints inspired the “Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow” sculpture.
3. The Legend of Liu Yi
When the Dragon Princess of Dongting was in distress, Jianma disguised as a red-robed messenger delivered her letter to Chang’an in three days, astonishing the Lord of Qiantang with its speed.
III. Cultural Influence
1. Artistic Representations
- Han Dynasty stone relief Jianma Carrying Books (Wushi Shrine, Shandong)
- Ming Dynasty Sancai Tuhui depicts its seven-foot wingspan
- Modern sci-fi novel The Three-Body Problem references its time-travel ability
2. Folk Customs
- Horse King Festival: Yi people in Yunnan perform dragon-headed horse dances on the 24th of the sixth lunar month.
- Running Horse Lanterns: Lanterns depicting Jianma hang during Lantern Festival in Jiangnan, symbolizing “dispelling evil”.
3. Historical Impact
- Han Dynasty’s Ferghana horses were seen as Jianma incarnations, prompting Emperor Wu’s “Heavenly Horse Campaign”.
- Tang Dynasty postal system adopted Jianma’s speed concept, establishing “800-li urgent” courier service.
4. Modern Business Applications
- Logistics companies use Jianma logos for “express delivery” branding
- EV brands launch “Jianma Series” emphasizing range and speed
- Quantum communication satellites named “Jianma” symbolize instantaneous information transfer
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