Six Crimson Cranes

As per traditional fairy tales and folktales, Lim incorporates animals in Six Crimson Cranes to indirectly characterize humans. As indicated by its title, the novel’s most prominent animal is the red-crowned crane. In Chinese and Japanese folklore, cranes symbolize loyalty and nobility—characteristics that Shiori’s brothers embody in their duty to their sister and empire. Furthermore, Kiki, Shiori’s enchanted paper crane, proves her most loyal companion.

In Chinese folklore in particular, dragons are powerful, regal creatures. Lim showcases their power when Shiori and her brothers narrowly escape the Dragon King when crossing the Taijin Sea, and even Seryu has to remind Shiori that he cannot always defend her against his grandfather. As a young dragon, Seryu exhibits many characteristics of a human teenager: He is earnest, playful, and tries to navigate his jealousy as he witnesses Shiori’s feelings for Takkan change. By characterizing Seryu in this way, Lim makes him relatable to Shiori, further proving to her that magic and non-humans do not always need to be feared.

Snakes appear in fairy tales, folklore, and mythology all over the world and are often characterized as cunning. Their stealthy, subtle movements juxtapose with their ability to strike quickly, which Shiori witnesses in Raikama.