What exactly is Mei Ling? (Patreon)

We'll be exploring Mei's character much more in season 2 but now the cat (or fox) is out of the bag, we've been asked by a few people now, "What is Mei Ling exactly?".

Mei Ling is a Huli Jing - here's a bit of background on this old Chinese legend;

The Huli Jing, or the “White Fox”, is a creature deeply rooted in ancient Chinese folklore and sometimes acts as a guardian of the supernatural world.

In our tales, the Huli Jing is a fox spirit, an entity that possesses great wisdom, power, and longevity. Unlike common foxes, the Huli Jing is said to live for a thousand years, and as it ages, it grows additional tails, each one marking a century of its life. The most powerful among them possess nine tails, a sign of their immense spiritual strength.

These creatures are known for their ability to shapeshift, often taking on the appearance of beautiful women. They use this power to interact with the human world, sometimes as tricksters, sometimes as benevolent guides. In many stories, the Huli Jing is portrayed as a seductress, using her charms to manipulate men. However, this is but one aspect of their complex nature.

The White Fox, in particular, is seen as a symbol of purity and wisdom. They are often depicted as the companions of deities or as celestial messengers. Their white fur is said to glow with an ethereal light, a reflection of their spiritual essence.

The Huli Jing, like many supernatural beings, are not inherently good or evil. They are a part of the natural balance, their actions serving purposes that we mortals may not always comprehend. They are guardians of secrets, keepers of ancient knowledge, and sometimes, the catalysts of great change…