TLDR;
This video explores the lore and history of the Four Holy Beasts in the Digimon universe, drawing connections to their mythological origins in Chinese constellations and their roles in various Digimon anime seasons. It covers each beast's attributes, subordinates, and special attacks, as well as the central figure of Huanglongmon and its ruin mode. The video also touches on the influence of these mythological creatures on the city of Kyoto and their representation in Japanese mythology.
- The Four Holy Beasts—Jinglongmon, Zhuqiaomon, Xuanwumon, and Baihumon—guard the cardinal directions of the Digital World.
- Each Holy Beast has twelve DigiCores and commands three Deva Digimon based on the Chinese Zodiac.
- Huanglongmon, ruling over the Four Holy Beasts, embodies both good and evil and is based on the Yellow Dragon from Chinese mythology.
Introduction to the Four Holy Beasts [0:00]
The Four Holy Beasts—Jinglongmon, Zhuqiaomon, Xuanwumon, and Baihumon—are the sacred guardians of the Digital World, maintaining balance across its regions. These legendary beings, inspired by Chinese mythology, each possess immense power and guard a cardinal direction, led and supervised by Huanglongmon at the center. Each Holy Beast has four shining eyes and twelve DigiCores, and commands three Deva Digimon based on the Chinese Zodiac, intervening only when their Devas cannot resolve a crisis.
Jinglongmon: The Azure Dragon of the East [1:59]
Jinglongmon, an Ultimate-level Digimon based on the Azure Dragon, controls the element of wood and protects the East with powerful lightning. His strength rivals that of a god, but he doesn't easily cooperate with humans unless a great deal is at stake. Jinglongmon's Deva subordinates are Andiramon, Vajramon, and Majiramon, each sharing his data attribute and representing the rabbit, tiger, and dragon, respectively. He is also a member of the Four Great Dragons, along with Megidramon, Goddramon and Craniamon. His special attack is Soryuu Kou translated as Blue Thunder, which drops violent thunder from the sky.
Zhuqiaomon: The Vermilion Bird of the South [4:26]
Zhuqiaomon protects the South, controlling scorching flames and possessing a violent temper, burning down anyone who approaches him senselessly. His strength is at the highest peak among Digimon, making him truly a God. Zhuqiaomon's Deva subordinates are Sandiramon, Indramon, and Pajiramon, each sharing his virus attribute and representing the snake, horse, and sheep, respectively. His special attack is Kouenbu, a vortex of flame comparable to prominence flare that erupts in a huge explosion. Zhuqiaomon is based on the Vermilion Bird, representing the fire element, the direction South, and the summer season.
Xuanwumon: The Black Tortoise of the North [6:13]
Xuanwumon protects the North, using versatile water techniques and known as the oldest of the Four Holy Beasts with a gentle personality. His strength is set to rival that of gods. Xuanwumon's Deva subordinates are Vikaralamon, Kumbhiramon, and Vajramon, each sharing his vaccine attribute and representing the pig, rat, and ox, respectively. His special attack is Mist Illusion, which creates a dark fog causing the enemy to experience an illusion that destroys their spirit. Xuanwumon is based on the Black Tortoise, representing the North and the winter season, symbolizing longevity.
Baihumon: The White Tiger of the West [7:41]
Baihumon protects the West, wielding the element of metal and said to have the highest power among the four, even though he is the youngest. Baihumon is a neutral being and not exactly an ally. Baihumon's Deva subordinates are Makuramon, Caturamon, and Kumbhiramon, each sharing his data attribute and representing the monkey, rooster, and dog, respectively. His special attack is Kongou, which releases a wave from his mouth that turns the enemy into metal. Baihumon is based on the White Tiger, representing the West, the autumn season and has the element of metal.
Huanglongmon: The Emperor of the Center [9:12]
Huanglongmon, an Emperor Digimon, rules over the Four Holy Beasts from the center, embodying both good and evil as the Taijitu of light and darkness. He was sealed in the deepest part of the earth when Lucemon descended to the Digital World. His body is covered with scales of Huanglong Ore, boasting absolute hardness. His special attack is Taikyoku, which forever disintegrates everything into polarities of light and darkness. Huanglongmon is based on the Yellow Dragon, representing the center of the cosmos and the element of Earth.
Huanglongmon Ruin Mode [11:04]
Huanglongmon Ruin Mode is a form that went out of control after being injected with evil energy, becoming inclined towards evil and darkness. The Four Holy Beasts joined forces to suppress Huanglongmon Ruin Mode. His special attacks include Mukoku, which causes everything to be swallowed by darkness, and Kimun Tonkou, which stirs up black flames in a tornado.
The Four Holy Beasts in Digimon Anime Seasons [11:42]
The Four Holy Beasts played major roles in several Digimon anime seasons. In Digimon Adventure, their powers were essential in the fight against Apocalymon, with the Digimon partners of the chosen children evolving into the Holy Beasts. In Digimon Adventure 02, the children borrowed the power of their crests to release Jinglongmon. In Digimon Tamers, the Holy Beasts disagreed on how to handle the D-Reaper, leading to conflicts and the eventual release of Calumon's power.
Mythological Origins and Cultural Significance [14:38]
The Four Holy Beasts are based on the Four Symbols from Asian mythology, deeply rooted in the history of Kyoto, which has been protected by these symbols since ancient times. Kyoto's urban plan was built in accordance with traditional Chinese Feng Shui, with mountains in the north, rivers in the east, lakes in the south, and a main road in the west. Each direction is guarded by one of the Four Symbols, with the yellow dragon (Huanglongmon) representing the center and the element of Earth.