The qilin, kirin, or kylin is a mythical hooved chimerical creature known throughout various East Asian cultures, said to appear with the imminent arrival or passing of a sage or illustrious ruler. It is often depicted with what looks like fire all over its body. It is sometimes called the 'Chinese unicorn' when compared with the Western unicorn. The Temple of Literature or Van Mieu is one of Vietnams foremost cultural treasures. Founded in 1070 by King Ly Thanh Tong of the Early Ly Dynasty, the temple was originally dedicated both to Confucius and to Chu Cong, a member of the Chinese royal family credited with originating many of the teachings that Confucius developed five hundred years later. The site was selected by Ly Dynasty geomancers to stand in harmony with the Taoist Bich Cau temple and the Buddhist One Pillar Pagoda, representing the three major fonts of Vietnamese tradition. Six years later, in 1076, the Quoc Tu Giam, or ‘School for the Sons of the Nation, was established