Biyiniao


In Chinese mythology, biyiniao, also known as manman, are birds with one eye and one wing each, that must attach to each other and fly in pairs. According to the ancient dictionary Erya, its proper name is jianjian.

Descriptions

From the ancient text Classic of Mountains and Seas :

Cultural significance

Biyiniao appeared in Han and Goguryeo tomb art, and has evolved into a popular cultural symbol of steadfast affection. The famous poem "Changhenge" or "Song of Everlasting Regret" by Bai Juyi, which retells the love story between Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and his consort Yang Yuhuan, invoked this metaphor, as did poetry by Cao Zhi and Chen Weisong. For example, the last four lines of a Cao Zhi poem read: