Tradition: Chinese Mythology
Alternative Names: 貔屭, Bixi, Guifu, Baxia, Tianxia, Longgui, Dragon Turtle
Category: Turtle
The Myth
Bixi is one of the Nine Sons of the Dragon in Chinese mythology. It resembles a giant turtle, but unlike an ordinary turtle, it has teeth and immense strength. It is famous for carrying heavy loads and is traditionally depicted supporting stone steles and monuments.
According to legend, Bixi once carried mountains across the land and stirred up storms in rivers, lakes, and seas. When the legendary ruler Yu the Great controlled the floods, he subdued Bixi and commanded it to help move mountains, dig channels, and clear riverbeds. After the floods were brought under control, Yu feared that Bixi would return to causing trouble. He therefore placed a massive stone monument recording his achievements on its back, weighing it down and preventing it from roaming freely.
Bixi became a symbol of strength, endurance, and the bearing of heavy burdens. Its likeness is commonly carved at the bases of important stone monuments throughout China and other parts of East Asia. Some later tales also describe Bixi spirits transforming into women.
Sources
“赑屃 (Bìxì).” Chinese Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%B4%94%E5%B1%AD