Qiulong

Qiulong (simplified Chinese: 虬龙; traditional Chinese: 虯龍; pinyin: qiú lóng) is a hornless dragon in Chinese mythology and art. It is often described as an immature dragon or a dragon in a juvenile stage of development. While sometimes depicted as having horns, its defining characteristic is their absence compared to fully mature dragons.

The Qiulong is associated with water and is often found in rivers, lakes, and seas. Some texts describe it as controlling water flow and influencing rainfall. It is considered a benevolent creature, unlike some more malevolent dragon depictions in Chinese lore.

Symbolically, the Qiulong can represent potential, growth, and transformation, reflecting its status as a developing dragon. It can also represent youthful vigor and vitality.

The term qiulong can sometimes be used more broadly to refer to any dragon-like creature without horns, blurring the lines between it and other types of Chinese dragons like the Jiaolong (蛟龍). Distinguishing between these types can be difficult, relying heavily on contextual clues and artistic representation. The Qiulong, however, is generally understood to be less potent and less physically imposing than a fully-fledged, horned dragon.