The longma, or dragon-horse is a fabled being with features of a horse and dragon, and is still considered as something of a mascot for Hue City.
This dragon-horse has dragon horns, scales and horse legs. According to Chinese legend, the longma carries on its back the map of the world, which is a heavenly gift to help the king rule the kingdom. It is also believed that the longma often carries one of the three receptacles containing the scrolls on which the Buddhist scriptures were originally preserved.
According to Phan Thanh Hai, deputy director of the Centre for Preservation of Hue Relics, longma is widely depicted on household dividers in Hue. One of the most popular dividers belongs to Hue High School for the Gifted, built in 1896.
"In the kings' tombs or on the village streets, visitors have a chance to see the pictures of the longma in Hue. Maybe it's because longma has been considered an irreplaceable part of the architecture and culture of Hue," Hai said.
Since 2004 the longma has been the logo included on the city seal for the Hue Festival.
Divider belongs to Hue High School for the Gifted
Longma at the entrance to Emperor Tu Duc's tomb
Longma sculpture
Longma at the tomb of Emperor Dong Khanh
Decoration on the gate of Truong Sanh Palace
Two longma depicted on a divider
Longma on the roof of Tu Phuong Vo Su Pavilion
A divider
A wall in Lai The Village
Longma on various dividers in Hue
Pictures of longma on the boxes in the palace
Decoration on altars
Longma depicted on various places
