| White Tiger of the West | |
|---|---|
 | |
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Other Names |
Baihu, Byakko, Baekho, Bạch Hổ |
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First Appearance |
Chinese Mythology |
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Created by |
Chinese Mythology |
Origin[]
The White Tiger known in Chinese as Baihu, is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations which are important mythological figures in Taoism. It is sometimes called the White Tiger of the West (Xīfāng Báihǔ) and is known as Byakko in Japanese, Baekho in Korean, and Bạch Hổ in Vietnamese.
It represents the west in terms of direction and the autumn season. It is also associated with the Chinese element of metal, the planet Venus, and the color white.
As belief in astrology waned over the centuries, worship of the Four Symbols was replaced by worship of the Four Heavenly Kings of Buddhism, but their use as symbols are still used today.
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 Byakko who was based on the White Tiger of the West.