Nine Sons of the Dragon

 The nine sons of the dragon are a group of hybrids and dragons that were the sons of the dragon emperor, usually either Longwang or Huanglong. Each of these character were used as motifs or decorations on objects, believed to impart their power or skill into the object. While there's always said to be nine sons in total, the list of sons varies greatly. There are some core members that end up on all lists, while others appear only occasionally as one of the sons. Dragons are often associated with the number nine, being a combination of nine different animals, having nine forms they pass through as they age, and having scales in multiples of the number nine. The order of the sons also changes with every list. But Bixi is consistently the eldest son.

Consistent members:

Bixi

Bixi

The eldest son. A turtle dragon hybrid who is associated with foundations, strength and dependability. He is depicted at the bottom of pillars, seemingly holding them on his back or shell.  


Bi'an

Bi'an

A tiger dragon hybrid who is associated with litigation and legal proceedings. His image is placed on court houses, prisons, and police badges.  


  

Chiwen as a fish

Chiwen as a Frog

Chiwen

A hybrid of dragon and either fish or frog. Chiwen has power over water and is carved onto roof tops to protect buildings from fire.


Pulao

Pulao

A small, stubby dragon that adorns bells. Pulao has a very loud voice and likes to yell and speak up, so he lends his volume to the bell. Pulao fears whales, so the hammer used to strike the bell is often carved into the shape of a whale to make Pulao scream even louder.


Yazi


  Yazi

A jackal dragon hybrid. Yazi was a great warrior and his image adorns sword hilts


Members who are not on every list:   



Qui Nui

Qui Nui

A small yellow dragon. Qui Nui was a skilled musician and his likeness adorned string instruments


Fuxi

Fuxi

Another dragon, Fuxi greatly loved reading and knowledge, his image adorned graves so the knowledge of the deceased would not be forgotten.


  

Suan Ni 

Suan Ni

A lion dragon hybrid that is very devoted to Buddhism and loves the smell of incense. Incense holders are made in the shape of Suan Ni.


Chaofeng as a phoenix 

Chaofeng as a beast

Chaofeng

Chaofeng is said to be a hybrid of dragon and phoenix, but is also depicted in the form of a beast. Chaofeng is very adventurous and alert. He would be depicted on rooftops, keeping watch for danger and ward off evil spirits.


Jiaotu

Jiaotu

Jiaotu is a dragon snail hybrid, who is very cautious and guarded. His image was placed on doors to keep the building safe from break ins and theft.


Gongfu as a lizard

Gongfu as a salamander

Gongfu

A hybrid of dragon and either lizard or salamander. Like Chiwen, Gongfu controls water. His image was adorned on bridges and ships to protect them from hazards.




Tao Tie 

Tao Tie

Yes, Tao Tie of the four perils even finds his way onto this list. Tao Tie loved to eat and devours everything. His image adorns dishes and cooking wear. Unlike his appearances elsewhere, when associated with the nine sons Tao Tie is depicted as a dragon wolf hybrid.



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