Xīngxing (Chinese), or shōjō (Japanese), both written as 猩猩,[a] is a primate creature present in Chinese and Japanese folklore that is capable of human speech, has a human face, and is known for drinking alcohol. Xingxing is first mentioned in the Classic of Mountains and Seas,[b] where it is written as 狌狌.[c] From there, it is mentioned widely across pre-Qin and post-Han literature.
In the Classic of Mountains and Seas, Xingxing is said to live in Zhaoyao Mountain[d] in the Northern Mountains chapter, and east of a forest near Emperor Shun's[e] Tomb and the Fanlin Forest[f] in the Southern Seas chapter. In the Northern Mountains chapter, Xingxing is noted as looking like a monkey, but recognising human names, and having a human-like face with white ears. It can walk bipedally or quadrupedally. Those who eat its meat will become faster; it is said that its tastiest part is its lips.[1] The Southern Seas chapter expands on this, claiming Xingxing has a pig-like body, and is close in proximity to Yayu.[2] The Erya[g] and Records of Shu[h] state that it appears in Fengxi,[i] Jiaozhi,[j] where it looks similar to a badger and cries like a baby, and can be baited with wine.[3][4] The Confucian Book of Rites[k] stresses that while it is capable of human speech, it is regardless a beast.[5]
In the critical text Lunheng,[l] Wang Chong[m] states that it was common belief that Confucius had named Xingxing himself, though he argues that he may have heard it in the Songs of Chu during his travels. He also discusses the proverb "Xingxing knows the past, Ganque[n] knows the future", referring to Xingxing's alleged impeccable memory, which would go on to become a proverb.[6]
Design
Hsing-Hsing is often depicted as a large white-haired, red-skinned primate carrying a bag of liquor bottles. This references the Japanese reading of its name, Shōjō (猩猩,Shōjō), which translates to "orangutan" and can also be used to describe a heavy drinker.
In Devil Children Fire Book and Ice Book, Hsing-Hsing is a white-furred primate with long red hair. It wears red haori over a yellow kimono and hakama, and carries a jug of what seems to be liquor, indicated by its flushed face and beads of sweat.
A monkey-like creature that can speak human languages in Chinese and Japanese folklore. Judging from their red faces, it is believed they like liquor, and can be easily captured by getting them intoxicated.
真っ赤な かみの毛を していて人間の言葉を 研究している オランウータンデビル 酒好きでよっぱらうと 上手におどりだすTranslation: An orangutan Devil with bright red hair who studies human language. It likes liquor and dances well when it gets drunk.
Nomenclature
The spelling "Hsing-Hsing" uses the older Wade-Giles romanization system instead of Pinyin.
↑In modern Mandarin Chinese, 狌狌 Xīngxing is considered an archaism for the word 猩猩, meaning "orangutan" in modern Mandarin Chinese. It is homophonous, and therefore technically interchangeable.
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey
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Artwork from Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner
Artwork from Devil Children Fire Book and Ice Book
Render from Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Akuma Zensho
Sprite from Shin Megami Tensei IV
Sprite from the Sega Saturn version of Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner
Sprite from Devil Children Fire Book and Ice Book
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