Hoa biểu hồ ly

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A legendary fox spirit associated with a commemorative stone pillar (huabiao): In classical Vietnamese literature, this term refers to a specific mythological creature — an ancient fox demon that, along with a thousand-year-old huabiao (ornamental stone pillar), became a spirit. The story originates from the "Tiễn Đăng" collection, set during the reign of Emperor Hui of Jin.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Truyện "Hoa biểu hồ ly" được chép trong sách Tiễn Đăng. (The story of the "huabiao fox spirit" is recorded in the Tiễn Đăng collection.)
  • Hoa biểu hồ ly là một yêu tinh thông minh nhưng cuối cùng bị lộ hình. (The huabiao fox spirit was an intelligent demon but was ultimately revealed.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily used in the context of classical literature, mythology, and folklore discussions. It is not a common word in modern daily language but appears in analyses of ancient texts and tales of the supernatural.

Variants and Related Words

• Hồ ly (n): fox spirit; a general term for a mythical, often shapeshifting, fox demon in East Asian folklore.
• Hoa biểu (n): huabiao; a traditional Chinese ornamental stone column, often used as a commemorative stele or landmark.

Synonyms

• Fox demon: A supernatural creature in the form of a fox.
• Fox spirit: A spirit or demon originating from a fox, common in East Asian mythology.

Related Cultural Context

• The story of the "Hoa biểu hồ ly" is a classic tale about a clever fox spirit who transforms into a scholar to debate the learned official Zhang Hua. It explores themes of supernatural detection, wisdom, and the ultimate exposure of the spirit's true form through the use of the ancient pillar.