5 of the best-known horses in Chinese legend, from the Red Hare to qilin
Horses play a fascinating role in Chinese folklore, ranging from the downright disturbing – one kidnaps a girl – to the gently auspicious
Civilisations around the world domesticated horses thousands of years ago. They were kept outside the home and, unlike other livestock, were not just seen as a food source but as a tool for farming and basic transport. Many were even used for fighting.
This bond has inspired many fantastical steeds in legend, with the horned unicorn and the winged Pegasus being among the most widely recognised in the West.
One of the most common references to the tenacious animal in Chinese folklore is “Horse-Face”, a guardian of the underworld that often appears alongside fellow animal spirit “Ox-Head”.
This half-human, half-beast duo, which supposedly represents agility, justice and wisdom, stands guard by the Gates of Hell to receive and escort the newly deceased to the other side.