
The Qilin (麒麟 in Chinese) is a revered chimerical entity said to be the third most powerful in the entire pantheon of Chinese mythological animals. A Qilin statue at the Summer Palace in Beijing, China.

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to the “Qilin” of ancient China.

And sure enough, I came across one remarkable creature that aligns almost too perfectly with our lovely equine friend. But while I mostly see people lamenting the fact that Satori cannot be registered as a full-time steed at the Stables, an entirely different quandary has been plaguing my mind: Why does this creature look so familiar?Īs is usually the case when I encounter an enigma in the Zelda universe, my first instinct was to investigate East Asian mythology and attempt to trace the cultural origins of the Lord of the Mountain. Though it only plays a very minor role in the world of Breath of the Wild, its ethereal beauty has thoroughly captivated my imagination. The eponymous guardian of Satori Mountain is definitely one of the most fascinating creatures I’ve encountered in the Zelda series. From time to time, we’ll also look at Nintendo’s past to unearth some facts about our favorite company. In our studies, we’ll explore each game’s development, curiosities within the rich lore of the franchise, and the impact it has had on our culture. Zelda’s Study is a series where we examine the history of The Legend of Zelda to bring you some fascinating (or just plain weird) trivia. Indeed, this majestic creature lives up to its regal title: the Lord of the Mountain. But its serene countenance belies the razor-sharp attention it pays to every little movement, lest any unwanted interlopers disrupt the peace. Its strong, equine body shimmers with pale blue light, and two owlish faces, framed by a lustrous white mane and topped with two golden antlers, calmly observe the surrounding environment.

Delicate, bunny-like Blupees are gathered around the perimeter, gazing reverently at the large, breathtaking entity taking a drink in the middle of the spring. Upon investigation of this strange phenomenon, you discover a beautiful spring full of clear, sparkling water near the top of the mountain, awash in the otherworldly glow. You’re just passing the time harvesting Silent Princesses and collecting honey from beehives when suddenly, you spot something rather unusual: a hazy, sea-green aura surrounding the peak of the distant Satori Mountain. A soft breeze rustles the leaves of the trees ever so gently, and the clouds above part every once in a while to reveal a pocket of glimmering stars. ‘Tis a quiet, moonlit night in the vast kingdom of Hyrule.
