Zhong Kui (鍾馗)

1. Chinese. According to some the name of Kui Xing, the god of examinations, before his deification. Also transcribed Chung K'uei. 2. Chinese. Name of a character from Chinese mythology who, similar to Kui Xing, was also an outstanding scholar with a disfigured appearance and who was unfairly denied examination honors by the Emperor. He committed suicide (according to one version by hurling himself against the palace gate until his head was broken) and makes his reappearance as a powerful vanquisher of ghosts and demons. He is a popular figure in Chinese folklore and a popular door or portal guard, used to keep evil out of homes. He purportedly is able to command an army of 80,000 demons. He is usually represented as a fierce looking bearded man, sometimes depicted standing on one leg. Mythological characters with similar backgrounds or service functions are sometimes blended together and are spoken of as if they are a single entity. It is therefore unclear if Zhong Kui is indeed another character from Chinese mythology or actually ís Kui Xing himself (see point 1 above). Also transcribed Chung K'uei.