The description of the unicorn in ancient prose
The descriptions of Qilin in ancient texts were usually related to auspicious signs, divine beasts, mysteries, and other elements. In the Records of the Historian, the Qilin was described as "a kind of dragon with horns, no scales, white, and beads at the end of its horns. It comes from the east and stops at the west." This was the first official description of a Qilin. After that, the image of the Kirin in many literary works and historical documents gradually became mysterious, noble, and peaceful. In ancient literature, the Kirin was described as a magical creature with extraordinary abilities and mysterious powers. In 'Dream of the Red Chamber', the unicorn that Jia Baoyu encountered in his dream was described as' an auspicious beast with red horns, one corner with gold, one corner with silver, and one spirit'. It was considered an auspicious symbol. In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the Kirin was regarded as a divine beast that could bless the country's peace and the people's happiness. The description of Qilin in the ancient text reflected the ancient people's mysterious, noble, peaceful yearning and reverence for Qilin.