These Mythical Creatures are the National Symbols of their Countries
Myths, legends and folklore are an integral part of the rich culture and heritage of any place. Mythological stories and characters may not be limited to just a country, even inside a country, various cities, towns and villages have their own beliefs and traditions. Learning about the various mythological stories and characters of a place offers us a deep insight into the history and culture of the particular place. The world is full of such interesting stories and characters which continue to shape the people’s beliefs and practices even today, which is why some nations have even adopted the creatures found in their mythological tales as their national symbols.
Here are some of the countries which have various mythical creatures as their symbols:
- Scotland- Unicorn
Yes, the beautiful, one-horned horse is not only a national symbol of Scotland, but it is even the national animal of Scotland! It is also present on their coat of arms. The Unicorn is considered as a symbol of purity and innocence as well as masculinity and power in Celtic mythology. It was first used on the Scottish royal coat of arms way back in the 12th century by William I. There have been many tales of power associated with the Unicorn and so, adopting it on the coat of arms symbolizes the Scottish beliefs of being an unconquered and undefeated country.
2. North Korea- Chollima
Just like the Pegasus, the Chollima is also a mythical flying horse which is a symbol of great importance in North Korea. The Chollima is originally based on a Chinese mythology and believed to be able to travel 1000 ri or 4000 kms a day. The Chollima Movement was launched in the late 1950s in North Korea encouraging workers to work harder and faster. The movement was successful and hence, the slogan “Let us dash forward in the spirit of Chollima” was adopted. Today, the Chollima is considered to be a symbol of great speed and progress and even finds a place on the emblem of North Korea. It even has a statue dedicated to it next to the statues of North Korea’s leaders as a symbol of the “Chollima Movement”. The Chollima is also used as the nickname of the North Korean national football team.
3. China- Dragon
The Chinese Dragon is one of the most famous mythical animals in the world and an important animal in Chinese folklore. It is one of the 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac which have a whole year dedicated to them. Those born in the “Year of the Dragon” are considered to be lucky and blessed and parents even plan the birth of their children in accordance with the “Year of the Dragon”. Historically, the Chinese Dragon was associated with royalty and power. The emperor was believed to have descended from the Dragon. Unlike the western beliefs of the Dragon being a symbol of evil and destruction, the Chinese beliefs hold the Dragon as a symbol of good luck and friendship and the Chinese worship it. People also dress up as Dragons during Chinese festivals.
4. Bhutan- Druk
The Druk, or “Thunder Dragon” is a national symbol of Bhutan which can even be found on its national flag. It originates from Tibetan and Bhutanese mythology. Bhutan is called “Druk Yul” in Bhutanese Dzongkha language, which translates to “Land of Druk” and even the national anthem of Bhutan “Druk tsendhen” translates to “Kingdom of Druk”. The Bhutanese leaders are called “Thunder Dragon Kings”. The thunder is believed to be the roar of the “Thunder Dragon”.
5. Indonesia- Garuda
The Garuda is the carrier or the “vahana” of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology. Jatayu and Sampati, the nephews of Garuda, play an important role in the Hindu epic “Ramayana”. The Garuda is traditionally portrayed with the head, beak, wings and claws of an eagle and the body of a human. Garuda is also considered to be the “King of the birds” and a symbol of knowledge, virtue and power. Today, the Garuda is found in the national emblem of Indonesia, “Garuda Pancasila” and a song of the same name commemorates the Indonesian freedom struggle. Even the national airlines of Indonesia are known as “Garuda Indonesia”.
6. Greece- Phoenix
The graceful, fiery and immortal bird Phoenix is associated with Greek mythology. It is associated with the sun god Phoebus Apollo. The phrase “to rise from the ashes” which means to overcome the worst of situations and succeed, comes from the Phoenix’s ability to be born again from the ashes of its predecessor. According to Greek Mythology, when the Phoenix sensed that its time of death was near, it created a nest of aromatic wood and died by setting the nest to flames which consumed it and a new bird rose from the ashes. Only one Phoenix exists at a time. Many Egyptian and Classical poets and artists have depicted the Phoenix in various forms and this glorious bird continues to be a symbol of immortality, rebirth and life after death.
There are also many fascinating mythical creatures such as the Federal Eagle of Austria and Germany, the White Eagle of Serbia, the Turul of Hungary, the Double-headed Eagle of Russia, the Welsh Dragon of UK, the Belgic Lion of Belgium and a lot more which are the national symbols and also find a place in the emblems of their respective countries.
Does your country also have a mythical creature as its national symbol? Which of these mythical creatures did you find the most fascinating and want to know more about? Do share your views in the comments below.
