| Ao Run | |
|---|---|
 | |
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Other Names |
White Dragon, Bai Long |
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First Appearance |
Chinese Mythology |
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Created by |
Unknown |
Origin[]
In Chinese mythology, the White Dragon is identified as Ao Run, one of the four Dragon Kings who rule over the cardinal directions and the seas. Ao Run governs the western seas and is associated with the season of autumn. The Dragon Kings are revered as powerful deities who control water-related phenomena, such as rainfall and floods, and are often invoked in prayers for rain and protection against natural disasters. Each Dragon King is linked to a specific color, direction, and season, with Ao Run’s white hue symbolizing purity and the west’s metal element in the Five Elements (Wu Xing) philosophy.
The veneration of the Dragon Kings, including Ao Run, has been integral to Chinese religious practices, with temples dedicated to their worship found throughout coastal regions. These deities also appear in various Chinese literary works and folklore, underscoring their cultural significance.
The third son of Ao Run, named Ao Lie, who became the steed of Tang Sanzang after he accidentally swallow his horse.
Public Domain Appearances[]
All published appearances of Ao Run from before January 1, 1930 are public domain in the US.