Holy
Purity
Pronunciation: kee-reen
Areas Found: Anywhere
Special Powers: Various
Danger Level: Generally benevolent
Likes: Honesty, purity, harmony, peace, serenity
Dislikes: Cruelty, deceit, domineering
One of the most magnificent and admired of creatures in the legends of the East is the Kirin. Not to be confused with the Japanese word for giraffe, kirin are different entirely. While they have at times been compared to the Western unicorn, they are not entirely the same. It is said that kirin are indeed horselike, and some may have the tail of an ox, but unlike unicorns they also have scales. Depending on the story they may have some scales or be covered in them entirely. In the traditional legends, only the male of the species is gifted with a horn, which is usually one but may be several. Typically kirin have magnificent manes and tails.
Like many other such creatures who may have origins in China, the male and female at one point had different specific names: the males were known as ki and the females were known as rin. It is more popular now, and more widely understood, to refer to them by the single term of kirin.
Kirin can speak the languages of humans easily, and some have been said to possess telepathy as well. They can sense when someone is telling them the truth as they know it or when someone is willingly trying to mislead them. Kirin, in many stories, are not inclined to help those who willingly mislead them or the people whom they regard as trustworthy or virtuous.
In all legends kirin are extremely gentle and appreciative of all life, careful never to tread upon living things wherever they go. Kirin never take an innocent life, although they may become truly fearsome in order to defend lives. If a wicked creature threatens those considered good by a kirin, that kirin will become a fierce creature indeed to defend them, howling and breathing fire, as well as other mighty abilities that vary from story to story.
It is said that kirin will not appear in a place that is not ruled by a benevolent or virtuous leader. Some maintain, however, that rulership of an area may simply refer to a household or a small place instead of an entire country, in this day and age. It is said that a kirin may make a man into a king, or bring about the downfall of a wicked ruler. Kirin rarely appear in general, but they are more likely to appear to those who respect life in much the same ways as they themselves do.
Kirin are especially known for protecting the young and young at heart, and they have no tolerance for those who abuse them. It is said that in the spring, kirin will call out to their potential mate and await an answer. If that answer comes, they will send energy to mix with their mate's to produce an offspring of that energy. Presumably any manner of pairing thusly may produce offspring, a truly magnificent aspect of their beauty.
- Manga/TV anime Jigoku Sensei Nube (official site) - A kirin appears in this series as a sort of guardian.
The kirin are beloved by almost anyone who know of their wonderful and gentle legends. It is so important to remember the forces of nature embodied in such magical and magnificent forms. Just like the other youkai we known, kirin have their own particular details and accents, all making them all the more beautiful. It is something to appreciate.