Zenless Zone Zero Yixuan: Cultural Origins of "Qingming Bird"

As time progresses, Zenless Zone Zero will launch a new version and Agents in just days. Version 2.0 immersed us in Yixuan - master of Suibian Temple - with the story unfolding through her journey. But amid this, have you Proxies noticed the Qingming Bird accompanying her? Today, let's explore the lore behind this entity!

1. ZZZ Yixuan - Features & Design Inspiration of "Qingming Bird"

1.1 Three-Legged Golden Crow

What defines Yixuan's Qingming Bird? Primarily its jet-black plumage. In Chinese myths, this trait connects to divine birds-most notably the "Golden Crow."

Depictions of the Three-Legged Golden Crow first emerged in late Western Han Dynasty Nanyang. Initially symbolizing the sun as a three-legged bird, it later embodied sun essence and filial piety under mystical Han beliefs. This dual symbolism placed it in Queen Mother of the West's celestial court as her attendant, representing blessings for family harmony. By mid-Eastern Han, widespread worship detached the Golden Crow from Xi Wangmu's mythos, establishing it as an independent sign of good fortune.

The Golden Crow is intrinsically linked to the sun, reflected in Yixuan's PV. The final shot visually echoes the "Golden Crow Carrying the Sun" motif with clouds parting to reveal sunlight.

However, the Golden Crow's three-legged depiction-though not absolute-remains its most iconic representation. This characteristic isn't mirrored in-game.

1.2 Mysterious Bird (Xuan Bird)

Another prevalent interpretation is China's "Mysterious Bird." However, its depiction lacks a fixed form-possible prototypes include swallows, crows, phoenixes, or owls, each justifiable within their respective lineages.

Archaeological evidence suggests the Mysterious Bird's form likely resembled an owl. The Bronze Owl Zun vessels unearthed from the 1976 Yinxu Fu Hao Tomb in Anyang, Henan-now housed in the China National Museum and Henan Museum-showcase owl-like shapes. Scholars theorize owls held profound spiritual significance for the Shang people, potentially linked to their origin myth of the "Mysterious Bird."

1.3 Dì Bird (䲦)

In-game, Qingming Bird's design features a prominent detail-three eyes, or one distinctive eye. Chinese mythology does have a three-eyed divine bird: the Dì Bird (䲦).

Classic of Mountains and Seas: Central Scroll V records: North of Shou Mountain lies vast mulberry and oak forests with yarrow and lilac grasses; its south yields Tufu Jade with locust trees dominating. Shou Mountain's Ji Valley houses the Dì Bird, resembling an owl with three eyes, ears, and deer-like calls. Eating its meat cures dampness ailments.

Visually, the Qingming Bird's "large bird form" displays two ear-like structures. Ecologically, Dì Birds inhabit Shou Mountain-rich in precious Tufu Jade-while Zenless Zone Zero's Safeguard Enclave produces valuable Lustred Porcelain minerals.

Sound provides another clue: Dì Birds' deer-like cries echo Qingming Bird's cutscene vocals. Using the Dì Bird as inspiration offers creative flexibility-its sparse lore and fluid imagery allow blending other elements like Golden Crow or Mysterious Bird into the design.

In summary, Yixuan's Qingming Bird likely draws from diverse sources-reimagining and refining ancient Chinese bird worship into Zenless Zone Zero's unique mythical entity. Has this addressed your questions about Qingming Bird? Keep exploring our articles and ZZZ merchandises!