Ying Long is a prominent figure in Chinese mythology, recognized by several names such as Ji (吉 jí), Geng Chen (庚辰 gēng chén), Huang Long (黄龙 huáng lóng), and Fei Long (飞龙 fēi lóng). Often regarded as the progenitor from whom all other dragons derive, she stands as one of the Four Great Dragon Gods (四大神龙 sì dà shén lóng) and is the singular winged dragon within this cultural heritage. Ying Long is considered the mother of both the Feng Huang (凤凰 fèng huáng)—who is credited with the creation of birds—and the Qi Lin (麒麟 qí lín)—believed to be the ancestor of all terrestrial beasts—making her a central figure in the lineage of all animal life on Earth. She also holds significance as a deity associated with rain, featured in several legends and folktales.
Her presence signifies not only the acts of creation but also destruction. A variation of Chinese creation mythology posits that it was Ying Long who produced the cosmic egg that brought forth the Giant God, Pan Gu (盘古 pán gǔ), at the dawn of existence. She is depicted as the force behind all earthly creations, responsible for sending rain from the heavens. Her immense power includes the ability to obscure the Sun and Moon and even annihilate all existence should she feel aggrieved.
While she is based in Heaven, accounts frequently narrate her descent to Earth for significant purposes. For instance, she is said to have imparted the He Map (河图 hé tú)—often linked to Long Ma (龙马 lóng mǎ)—to Fu Xi (伏羲 fú xī), guided Nü Wa (女娲 nǚ wā) in meeting the Jade Emperor (玉帝 yù dì), and educated Yan Di (炎帝 yán dì) in agricultural and medicinal practices. In the legendary encounters between Huang Di (黄帝 huáng dì) and Chi You (蚩尤 chī yóu), it was Ying Long who emerged triumphant over Chi You and Kua Fu (夸父 kuā fù). Additionally, she assisted the Great Yu (大禹 dà yǔ) in managing floodwaters across China, crafting the Yellow River (黄河 huáng hé) and its tributaries with a mere flick of her tail.
Ying Long is revered for her authoritative voice; when she speaks, deities in the Nine Heavens are said to listen, earning her the title of Teacher of all Gods (众神之师 zhòng shén zhī shī).
Classic of Mountains and Seas Passages
In ancient texts such as the Classic of Mountains and Seas, references to Ying Long illustrate her enduring legacy. One passage discusses her residence in the southeastern corner of the Great Wilderness, describing her triumph over Chi You and Kua Fu but lamenting how her actions led to drought on Earth. Consequently, people invoke her by dressing as dragons to petition for rain, which causes downpours.
Another segment describes Kua Fu, a tragic figure who overtrusted his strength. He attempted to chase the Sun across vast landscapes, ultimately succumbing to thirst in his futile quest. The text highlights Ying Long’s role in defeating both Chi You and Kua Fu, attributing the frequent rains in the southern regions to her ethereal presence.
Moreover, the Classic recounts how Ying Long was dispatched by Huang Di against Chi You, who had assembled an army. In her battle, she amassed rainwater to confront the adversary, while Chi You summoned wind and rain deities to counter her. Ultimately, it was the goddess Nü Ba sent by Huang Di who turned the tide, leading to Chi You’s demise.
Ying Long embodies the complexities of nature—creation intertwined with destruction—droughts, and abundant rain, making her one of the most revered entities within the fabric of Chinese mythology.
