The Legend of Nian

The Legend of Nian

Long ago in China, people were afraid of Nian, the dragon beast.

Nian had a sharp horn and a huge mouth. He could eat five people in one big bite! Glump!

All year long, Nian slept deep in the ocean. By the end of winter, he was very hungry.

Each year, just before the Chinese New Year, Nian would climb out of the ocean.

He would look for people to eat. Nian liked to eat children best. People would run away and hide in a cave.