Dragon turtle
A dragon turtle (Chinese : 龍龜, pinyin : Lóngguī) is a legendary Chinese creature that combines two of the four celestial animals of Chinese mythology: the shell of a turtle with a dragon's body is promoted as a positive ornament in Feng Shui,[1][2] symbolizing courage, determination, fertility, longevity, power, success, and support. Decorative carvings or statuettes of the creature are traditionally placed facing the window.[3]
Mapmakers sometimes drew dragon turtles along with other fantastical creatures in unexplored areas.
Ancient mythology
When Fuxi wanted to create more divine patterns, He discovered a "square diagram" on the back of a dragon turtle.[4]
In popular culture
Tabletop games
- Dragon turtles have been present in the tabletop roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons from its inception[5] to its current 5th edition.[6]
TV
- In the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, a lion turtle, a gigantic creature which greatly resembles the dragon turtle, appears to grant the protagonist Aang spiritual guidance and special powers.
- A dragon turtle appears in the 1983 Dungeons & Dragons cartoon episode, "The Garden of Zinn", its poisonous bite setting up the events of the episode. These creatures have a dragon body and turtle shell, with some types having flippers.
Video games
- The character of Yachie Kicchou (吉弔 八千慧), from the 17th mainline video game of the Touhou Project series, is an anthropomorphic tortoise dragon.
- Bowser from Super Mario Nintendo video games is the main villain of the franchise.
See also
- Bixi - one of the 9 sons of the Dragon King
- Chinese mythology in popular culture
- Black Tortoise
- Fuxi - the progenitor of the human race in Chinese mythology.
References
- ^ William O'Connor (2013). Dracopedia The Bestiary: An Artist's Guide to Creating Mythical Creatures. Penguin. Page [1]
- ^ Tchi, Rodika (2 November 2019). "The Dragon Turtle in Feng Shui Practice". The Spruce. Dotdash. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
- ^ Jerebtsov, M; Pivtorak, P. "ANIMALISTIC IMAGE OF THE TURTLE IN CHINESE CLASSICAL CULTURE" (PDF). Scientific Enquiry in the Contemporary World: Theoretical Basics and Innovative Approach. 7: 13–14 – via Google Scholar.
- ^ Aldern, Mary (2012). Connecting the Stars: Chinese Star Stories and the Art of Storytelling through a Cultural and Personal Lens. p. 58.
- ^ Witwer, Michael; Newman, Kyle; Peterson, Jonathan; Witwer, Sam; Manganiello, Joe (October 2018). Dungeons & Dragons Art & Arcana: A Visual History. Ten Speed Press. p. 26. ISBN 9780399580949. OCLC 1033548473.
- ^ Grebey, James (2021-07-16). "New D&D book explains why dragons are so important that they're half the game's name". SyFy Wire. Retrieved 2026-02-25.