| Black Tortoise | |
|---|---|
 | |
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Other Names |
Huyền Vũ, Genbu, Běifāng Xuánwǔ |
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First Appearance |
Chinese Mythology |
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Created by |
Chinese Mythology |
Origin[]
The Black Tortoise is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations. It is usually depicted as a tortoise intertwined with a snake. But both tortoise and snake are known to hibernate during winter. The image of intertwined tortoise and snake likely symbolizes a state of inner struggle or a state of hibernation, and thus implies the season of winter. So the English translation Black ~ Dark ~ Mysterious Warrior is a more faithful translation.
It represents the north and the winter season, thus it is sometimes called Black Warrior of the North or Běifāng Xuánwǔ in Chinese. In Japan, the characters are pronounced as Genbu. It is said to protect Kyoto on the north side, being one of the four guardian spirits that protect the city. It is represented by the Kenkun Shrine, which is located on top of Mt Funaoka in Kyoto.
An important Taoist priest also has Xuanwu as his clergy name. He is sometimes (as in Journey to the West) portrayed in the company of a turtle and a snake.
In ancient China, the tortoise and the serpent were thought to be spiritual creatures symbolizing longevity. The Min people custom of building turtle-shaped tombs may have had to do with the desire to place the grave under the influence of the Black Tortoise.
Notes[]
- In the anime YuYu Hakusho, there is group of villains called the Saint Beasts who attempted to cause havoc in the Human World. Each member is based on one of the Four Symbols including Genbu who was based on the Black Tortoise.