This page is filled with a variety of creatures that are featured in my Defenders of Derthal series and based on Chinese mythology and culture. Below you will find basic background notes and common visual characteristics of the creatures I used to inspire my writing. I have also included conceptual artwork to help bring these creatures to life. I would like readers to note that many of the creatures included as part of ‘Morugga Monsters’ are not inherently evil in Chinese myths and folklore.
LOONG
Loong, pronounced “lʊŋ”, is a Chinese dragon and a prominent figure in Chinese culture. The Loong can be depicted in multiple animal forms, but I chose the most common form, similar to a snake with legs, for use in my story. Depictions of the creature often show four legs and feet with five claws which I did modify into six legs. Unlike more recent or Western depictions of dragons, Loongs are often portrayed without wings. Historically, Chinese dragons have been used to represent imperial power and as a royal symbol by many Chinese dynasties throughout history.
This creature is a member of Morugga’s Monster Army in my Defenders of Derthal series.
SANZUWU
The Sanzuwu, pronounced “sān zú wū“, is a mythical three-legged crow found in multiple East Asian cultures and regularly associated with the sun. In China, the bird is often red or golden, but it can also be black. In some Chinese myths, the sun is the tripedal crow’s home, and, in others, it carries the sun across the sky like a coin.
This creature is a member of Morugga’s Monster Army in my Defenders of Derthal series.
BLUE BOYS
Dragons are a prominent part of Chinese mythology. The myths around Blue Boys can vary greatly. In some stories the Blue Boys are dragons that can shapeshift into boys with blue-tinted skin and in others, they are human boys that turn into blue dragons when they come in contact with water. I have taken artistic liberty to modify the descriptions of these creatures to blue-skinned humanoid geckos that can transform into full-size dragons both in and out of the water.
In the Defenders of Derthal series the Blue Boys remain neutral while seeking opportunities to enrich themselves.
YAYU
The Yayu, pronounced “yà yǔ”, is a hybrid mythical creature that is described in a variety of ways depending on the myth being told. In the most common description, the Yayu has a feline body and a dragon head. However, descriptions vary greatly. In some cases the body was of a dragon with a different animal head or even a human head. In my story, I depict the Yayu with a tiger body and dragon head.
This creature is a member of Morugga’s Monster Army in my Defenders of Derthal series.
QILIN
Pronounced “chee-lin” and also seen spelled kilin. The Qilin is often compared to a unicorn and is depicted as having a single great horn. It is known to have a body of a deer and hooves of a horse and often a serpentine-type tail. In some depictions, the creatures are portrayed with smooth fur coats, and, in others, they are covered in scales. Many myths about Qilin describe them attacking or punishing the wicked while leaving the innocent unharmed.
This creature is a member of Morugga’s Monster Army in my Defenders of Derthal series.
NIAN
The Nian, pronounced “NEE-ahn“, are intricately related to Chinese New Year mythology and rituals. They are vicious hybrid monsters often described as a combination of a lion and various other animals. It has been described as ranging in size from a dog to an elephant. In my story, it has a lion’s head, a bison’s body, large horns, and a mane of fire.
In my Defenders of Derthal series, there are twelve Nian that work as keys to unlock the seal between the two worlds. Even though the Defender fights against a Nian each year to try to keep it from passing through the seal into Derthal, it is not part of Morugga’s Army.
