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Published: 2013-07-16 05:57:24 +0000 UTC; Views: 52479; Favourites: 975; Downloads: 149
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Description
For a while now, I've been working on my own version of an "Asian" race in the MLP: FIM. I would like to see the show expand on other regions, sort of how they hinted at with Saddle Arabia and all. I already designed my Baby Asian dragon Lián: MLP:FIM Baby Asian Dragon More LianI had, long ago, decided to work on a Qilin race, but trying to develop an original look and to keep true to the origins of these creatures of Asian mythology was a bit of a challenge. Not to mention trying to come up with a name for their "Homeland".
Now, before people start commenting with "Those are Great Ponies!" let's get something straight here. I am a person of Asian descent, I take great pride in my heritage and roots, so I appreciate it if people Read my descriptions thoroughly, are respectful of my standing, and don't try to trample me with trollish flames, spam, or anything that may insult me culturally.
Qilin are not "Ponies". A Qilin is a beast composed of the head of a dragon or tiger, mane of a lion, the hooves of an ox or horse, the tail of a lion or ox, scales of a fish, and it can have either 1 or 2 horns/antlers. It depends on the area of the Orient that the parts of the Qilin are derived from. In Asia, Qilin are considered to be more closely related to Dragons. With how they are constructed, westerners should more correctly classify them as Chimeras, because by definition, a Chimera is "mythical or fictional animal with parts taken from various animals".
I've seen others make their own versions of Qilin, some are very impressive, others could use more research into Asian Lore. Most stuck to the Japanese Kirin, probably because of the popularity and influence of Anime. Its basically the same creature, just spelled/written differently from another Asian region. I stuck with the original Chinese/Tibetan name of Qilin for the species. I even thought of going for the Korean name of Gilin, but I decided against it because in the spoken Korean language, the "G" is pronounced like a "K", and that would only confuse people.
The Region that my Qilin hail from is called Neigh-Beyul. Its a play off of a real place in Nepal called Nghe-Beyul Khimpalung, one of the Seven designated Bhuddist Shangri-Las. The name "Nghe" means "Sacred Place" and "Beyul" is a hidden valley. I replaced Nghe with Neigh because it looks similar, and the Sherpa annunciation is close too. "Neigh" just gives it reference to the MLP world.
Neigh-Beyul is a land of Balance and Harmony. It is a kingdom that is ruled over by an Emperor and Empress (These are them), and it is a key region to ensure that all elements of nature remain equal and stable.
Here are the rulers of Neigh-Beyul. The Empress, Lady Yin and the Emperor Lord Yang. Yes, it is a play off the Yin-Yang, and they are designed to reflect the aspects of the two symbols. Both are designed with aspects of all 4 of the other Qilin races (Earth Qilin, Wind Qilin, Fire Qilin and Metal Qilin. Why is there no "Water Qilin"? Because Water is the domain of the Dragons.) and are the avatars of Elemental Balance in Neigh-Beyul. They are designed with opposing details and color schemes (The color scheme is similar to how I colored my Princes of Space and Time, which was unintentional). They bear antlers which strengthens their power and rule, and is a sign of a crown on their heads (The antlers are designed like Chital antlers, a deer native to southern Asia). Both rule as equals, with neither overpowering the other. Should the balance of power shift at all, the lands and dwellers of Neigh-Beyul would fall into elemental chaos.
Lady Yin is a pure representation of all that is Yin; Female, Negative, Night, Moon, Passive, Intuitive, Cold, Soft.
She is keeper of all things negative and dark. Some fear her as the bringer of darkness, who can summon nightmares and monsters to punish the wicked. Her personality is kind, yet manipulative. She takes pleasure in her dark enchantments and ability to sway others with her silver tongue.
Lord Yang is a pure representation of all that is Yang; Male, Positive, Day, Sun, Active, Logical, Hot, Hard.
He is the keeper of all things positive and light. He is seen and a benevolent bringer of justice, who blesses the pure-hearted, and brings warmth to the lands. His personality is stern and unmoving. He is very proud of his ways and traditions, and is not hesitant to assert his position with a show of strength.
Those they rule over:
Earth Qilin:
Wind Qilin:
Fire Qilin:
Metal Qilin:
Please do not use my Artwork to create your own "custom" base. You're not allowed to trace or use my art for Bases on DeviantART or any other website for distribution.
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic style © Hasbro and Lauren Faust
The Qilin of Neigh-Beyul © Me
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Comments: 180
SaturnGrl In reply to ??? [2013-08-03 19:39:58 +0000 UTC]
Generally speaking, its Asian themed, but I did research a lot into the Chinese myth and lore surrounding Qilin. Sun Wukong never came up in that research.
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Lithiel In reply to ??? [2013-08-02 19:12:45 +0000 UTC]
I love your interpretation of the Qilin as well!
I used the Japanese term that uses K in romanji, but I did make the point to research the original lore from China. ( honestly it doesn't feel the same to me otherwise >w>')
Very lovely interpretation- you went into the bodies more- which I shied away from. Seeing it now, I can see that adapting the figures to resemble the more'goat/deer-like figure doesn't take away from the authentic feel of the concept. Well done!
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SaturnGrl In reply to Lithiel [2013-08-02 21:35:19 +0000 UTC]
Thank you! that means a lot coming from an artist such as you. I always admired your work with the formerly known as Snapesnogger and the Red venom series.
I had no idea you were into the ponies and had Kirin of your own. I'll have to take a look at them. ^_^
Again, thank you for your comment and critique!
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Lithiel In reply to SaturnGrl [2013-08-03 00:12:15 +0000 UTC]
OMG you know me?! OwO''' *suddenly shy*
I'm so happy people still remember Eaol from Red Venom. I still hold that character very dear to me, and I will always treasure my time with Gemma. She's a very kind and funny person.
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SaturnGrl In reply to Lithiel [2013-08-03 07:07:57 +0000 UTC]
Yeah, I was sad when she decided to quit the Red Venom story and art. It was a beautiful story and even with the trolls who were prejudice against the characters, it was still stronger than most other stories and characters that I've seen, even today.
I remember you two had a huge following of fans, and you both inspired me to design naga characters too.
I should probably draw them again one of these days.
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awesomestarz In reply to ??? [2013-07-23 18:52:18 +0000 UTC]
Beautifully presented.
I also have a Quilin character named Elk, I need to get started n his back story. He falls in love with FlutterShy and marries her.
But that is a HIGHLY interesting new race in the MLP would that I would love to see in an official episode!
Can I draw them sometime?
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SaturnGrl In reply to awesomestarz [2013-07-23 19:50:14 +0000 UTC]
Sure, you can draw them, just remember to credit me and reference my original image.
So you have a Qilin character? Do you have any drawings of him?
I have a Base Template for my Qilin designs if you want to use it for your character. You can download it here if you have Photoshop: fav.me/d6ajtgc
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Little-Snowbird In reply to ??? [2013-07-17 19:21:36 +0000 UTC]
Oh, they are just beautiful. I love anything from the Orient, and this idea is just wonderful. I wish these did exist in My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
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SaturnGrl In reply to Little-Snowbird [2013-07-17 22:39:41 +0000 UTC]
Thank you! I hope you like my other Qilin as well. ^_^
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Little-Snowbird In reply to SaturnGrl [2013-07-17 23:11:22 +0000 UTC]
I'll take a look at them and see.
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FireballStardraco In reply to ??? [2013-07-16 21:10:35 +0000 UTC]
Wow, these look great and I love how they were done too.
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Arkus0 In reply to ??? [2013-07-16 18:26:44 +0000 UTC]
And your expanded universe grows ever more. Great idea for the rulers, now I wonder if you'll come up with individual characters for the three races.
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SaturnGrl In reply to Arkus0 [2013-07-17 22:39:16 +0000 UTC]
So far, I only have one. But if you want to make one, you can use the base I made.
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Arkus0 In reply to SaturnGrl [2013-07-18 05:04:54 +0000 UTC]
Sounds cool but right now I haven't thought of original characters just ponified versions of my Sonic characters. So not sure which one would be a Qilin.
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SteampunkedKAT In reply to ??? [2013-07-16 17:29:55 +0000 UTC]
(reads description ) wow that's deep, not to mention pretty darn cool : D
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SaturnGrl In reply to SteampunkedKAT [2013-07-17 22:38:48 +0000 UTC]
Thanks. Glad you like them. ^_^
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SaturnGrl In reply to spdy4 [2013-07-16 17:04:16 +0000 UTC]
Qilin actually, but sorta the same thing. Just from different regions. ^_^
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UltraMatt In reply to ??? [2013-07-16 13:51:55 +0000 UTC]
Very cool idea!!! Ever thought of writing a story about these bunch? I'd love to see the sort of personalities they have.
Matsy: man those are some really odd po- *quickly puts hand over her mouth/muzzle/what have you*
hehe ignore her
but great pic!!
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VioletWhirlwind In reply to ??? [2013-07-16 09:47:42 +0000 UTC]
Awesome! It would be cool if there was an episode which introduced these characters/species into canon or something.
Although...one thing bugs me (and hopefully you won't take this the wrong way), and it has nothing to do with you or your characters and more with one of the aspects associated with the Yin-Yang...and that is that 'positive=male, negitive=female' aspect. I realize it's just something based in centuries-old lore, but it still bugs me, as I'm a bit of a feminist. XD; The rest of the concept-associations I have no problem with...it's just that 'positive/negative' one. Again...nothing against you.
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SaturnGrl In reply to VioletWhirlwind [2013-07-16 17:03:18 +0000 UTC]
The Yin-Yang concept isn't lore based. Its actually part of Taoism. Its nothing against women in general, but in older times, women were perceived my the male dominated society as a negative aspect leading to temptation, deception, things that would lead a righteous man, as they would say, off the path of spiritual enlightenment.
Since these characters of mine are basically an Asian representation of creatures in the MLP FIM world, I took alot from my own heritage and Asian lore and practices while coming up with these. The Yin-Yang seemed to fit for a pair of rulers who keep the balance of chi in their lands.
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Blackvegetable In reply to ??? [2013-07-16 09:16:06 +0000 UTC]
Fascinating! Imagine meeting with Celestia and Luna in the future!
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SaturnGrl In reply to Blackvegetable [2013-07-16 17:03:40 +0000 UTC]
Hmm...dunno how that would go. Might be interesting.
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Blackvegetable In reply to SaturnGrl [2013-07-16 21:51:12 +0000 UTC]
Indeed!
BTW, wonder what the heck happened to the side emoticons when we comment?
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SaturnGrl In reply to Blackvegetable [2013-07-16 22:46:18 +0000 UTC]
You need to use the "Add Media" option on the bottom of the comment box. ^_^
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