Kirin
Also known as: Qilin, Chinese Unicorn, Ki-rin
A divine chimera of dragon and deer that only appears to herald greatness or disaster.
5th century BCE (Chinese texts)
China and Japan
Deer-sized, varies by account
Benevolent, gentle
Cultural icon, no modern sightings
The Lore
The kirin is a mythic beast from Chinese and Japanese tradition, described as having the body of a deer, the scales of a dragon, and a single horn or pair of antlers. It is said to walk on clouds and never harm a living creature, not even treading on grass. Historical sightings were taken as omens of a wise ruler's arrival. Some cryptozoologists have linked kirin descriptions to rare or misidentified real animals seen along ancient trade routes.
Body Type
Folklore Origin
Media Appearances
- Final Fantasy series
- Monster Hunter series
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