Sunday, June 1, 2008

Dragon turtle

Dragon turtle

Alternative Names (異名):
Dragon turtle


A dragon turtle is a legendary Chinese turtle with a dragonlike head. It combines two of the four celestial animals of Chinese mythology. It is promoted as a positive ornament in Feng Shui. The dragon sits on top of large coins with a small turtle on its back representing fertility. It is believed that the dragon brings the occupants of a home wealth and security. The dragon is traditionally placed facing the window.

Mapmakers sometimes drew dragon turtles along with other fantastical creatures in explored areas.


Dragon turtles in popular fiction

In the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game dragon turtles are gigantic sea creatures, feared by sailors for their ability to capsize the largest ships. They are massively armoured and breath a cloud of scalding steam.

Dragon turtles are monsters in some DragonQuest/DragonWarrior games, often called Tortragon.


See also

Black Tortoise (玄武)


Links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Tortoise
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology


Mythological hybrids | Chinese mythology | Turtles | Chinese dragons | Chinese mythology stubs

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