GUI XIAN
Chinese fabulous creature
Also known as Hsüan Wu
The Sacred Heavenly Tortoise
The Cosmic Tortoise — or possibly the Intergalactic Turtle — is one of the four Sì Xiàng Sacred Animals of Chinese mythology.
Known as a symbol of happiness, Gui Xian represents the North point of the compass and rules over all shelled creatures.
Tortoises being very long-lived, Gui Xian is also a symbol of longevity and immortality. Buildings inscribed with a tortoise image will last for many ages. Does that mean getting a Gui Xian tattoo will make you live forever?
Gui Xian seems to have a rival in the Sacred Animal Department (Shelled Creatures Division) — see Xuan Wu for an alternative take. However, as his name means simply ‘Heavenly Tortoise’, they could both be the same animal with different names. Has anyone seen them in the same room together?
Gui Xian Facts and Figures
Name: Gui Xian
Pronunciation: Gway Shee-yen
Alternative names: Hsüan Wu
Gender: Male
Type: fabulous creature
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present
Role: Unknown at present
Good/Evil Rating: NEUTRAL, may not care
Popularity index: 4033
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Article last revised on May 28, 2019 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders
References: Coming soon.