The legend of the Chinese zodiac is a captivating tale that has been passed down through generations. According to the most popular version of the story, the Jade Emperor, ruler of the heavens, decided to create a way to measure time. He called upon all the animals to participate in a great race, promising that the first twelve to cross the river and reach his palace would each have a year named after them.
The cunning Rat, knowing it couldn't swim well, asked the strong and kind Ox for a ride across the river. As they neared the shore, the Rat leapt off the Ox's back, securing first place. The Ox, slow but steady, arrived second. The powerful Tiger came third, followed by the swift Rabbit, who had cleverly hopped across stepping stones.
The majestic Dragon, who paused to help bring rain to a drought-stricken village, came fifth. The Snake, having hidden in the Horse’s hoof, slithered down and startled the Horse, taking sixth place while the Horse took seventh. The Sheep, Monkey, and Rooster, who had worked together to cross the river, came in eighth, ninth, and tenth, respectively. The loyal Dog, distracted by the fun of playing in the water, finished eleventh. Finally, the Pig, who had taken a nap during the race, secured the twelfth spot.
But there is one more animal whose story is often told with the zodiac: the Cat. According to legend, the Rat had promised to wake the Cat for the race but betrayed it by not doing so, causing the Cat to miss the race entirely. As a result, the Cat was left out of the zodiac. This betrayal sowed enmity between the Cat and the Rat, explaining why cats often chase and dislike rats.
In "Fruits Basket," a popular anime and manga series, this legend is reimagined. The characters in the series are members of the Sohma family, cursed to transform into their respective zodiac animals (including the Cat) when hugged by someone of the opposite sex or when they are under stress. The Cat, represented by Kyo Sohma, is particularly significant in the story, embodying the themes of exclusion, acceptance, and redemption. This unique twist on the zodiac legend adds depth and modern relevance to the ancient folklore, making it a perfect complement to the Zodiac Animal Dice Game.
