Denglong(蹬龙)

The Dēnglóng (traditional Chinese: 蹬龍; simplified Chinese: 蹬龙), also known by other names such as Wàngtiānhǒu (望天吼), Cháotiānhǒu (朝天吼), or simply Hǒu (吼), is a legendary creature in Chinese mythology with a long history of symbolic and spiritual meaning.

According to legend, the Denglong is one of the sons of the Dragon King and is known for its role as a guardian. It is often seen on Huabiaos, ceremonial columns found in Chinese palaces and temples. There, the Denglong symbolizes communication between Heaven and Earth, delivering the will of Heaven to the people and carrying the pleas of the people back to the celestial realm. In some Buddhist traditions, it is said that Avalokiteśvara (Guanyin) rides a Denglong, which led to the creature being referred to as Cháotiānhǒu, meaning "Roaring Toward Heaven."

In the Accounts of Marvels (Shuyi Ji 述异记), the Denglong is described as a fierce beast from the East China Sea. It is said to have the power to consume the brains of dragons and float in mid-air. When engaged in battle with a dragon, the Denglong breathes fire for dozens of feet and often triumphs. One dramatic tale recounts an event in the 25th year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign during the Qing dynasty. That summer, three Jiaolong (aquatic dragon-like creatures) and two dragons were seen fighting a single Denglong. Although the Denglong killed one dragon and two Jiaolong, it was eventually defeated and fell into a valley. The fallen beast, described as measuring ten to twenty feet long, looked somewhat like a horse and was covered in scales. After its death, its body was said to ignite spontaneously, confirming its identity as a Denglong.

The Denglong is described as having a composite form that blends traits from various animals. Its horns resemble those of a deer, its head is like a camel’s, its ears are cat-like, and its eyes resemble those of a shrimp. Its mouth is similar to that of a donkey, its mane like a lion’s, and its neck like a snake’s. It has a belly like a Shen (a mythical aquatic beast), scales like a koi fish, front claws like an eagle’s, and hind legs like a tiger’s. This extraordinary mixture of features reflects its mythological power and its status as a fierce and mystical creature capable of both protection and destruction.