ershu, named historic Shan hai jing illustration
Named traditional creature plate from the illustrated Shan hai jing corpus. Artist/edition attribution copied from the original file record; historical artistic interpretation, not a photograph of a real animal.
Overview
Ershu belongs to Mount Danxun in the first northern sequence of the Shanhaijing. The opening comparison is to a mouse, but the description then gives it a rabbit’s head and a milu-like deer body. It calls like a barking dog and uses its tail to fly. The unusual combination should remain visible instead of being simplified into an ordinary flying squirrel.
The text attaches dietary protection claims to the beast, including resistance to many poisons. Those are assertions in the received account, not a verified antidote. The mountain contains particular trees, grasses, and red pigment stone, but Ershu is not said to feed on all those materials. The passage does not explain the mechanics of tail-powered flight or supply a human transformation. Its anatomy, voice, and flight are the directly supported traits.
Origins & earliest records
China; Shanhaijing, Northern Mountains
Records & interpretation
Directly read Chinese primary-text transcription, with exact named geographical locator; no historical scan claimed.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Shanhaijing: Northern Mountains
First northern sequence; Mount Danxun 丹熏山
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
Primary records and illustrations
Shanhaijing, Northern Mountains
北山經. First northern sequence; Mount Danxun 丹熏山
Directly read transcription, not a collated historical scan. Identifying passage: 其狀如鼠，而菟首麋身，其音如獆犬，以其尾飛。 No exact illustrated plate verified.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Primary-text transcriptionShanhaijing, Northern Mountains: First northern sequence; Mount Danxun 丹熏山Research access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
Historical illustrationershu, named historic Shan hai jing illustration
Named traditional creature plate from the illustrated Shan hai jing corpus. Artist/edition attribution copied from the original file record; historical artistic interpretation, not a photograph of a real animal.
