

At the end of the opening sequence of Outbreak Company, the main characters
can be seen riding some sort of huge flying fish creature. I've watched 11
episodes so far, and I didn't catch any sights of anything remotely similar,
or even a mention of what it could be.

What is it? Does it have a name (either species or individual name)? Does it
appear anywhere in the story at all (e.g. in later novels)?

![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/SBg0kl.jpg)


CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-12-17T02:32:52.433
6367
2015-08-16T03:00:05.207
24
question
outbreak-company
What is this strange flying fish creature?


The closest thing I know of to this creature, is the [mythological _Peng_ , a
fish-bird hybrid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peng_\(mythology\)) from
ancient Chinese folklore. Technically, it is either a bird that can transform
into a fish, or vice versa.

I am not aware of any explanations in the anime or in the light novels for
this creature, but I suggest that it was included to add to the fantastical
atmosphere of the anime, add another magical creature to the repetoire, as
well as being something fun and exciting for the viewers to watch during the
credit sequences!

Nevertheless, the Peng is an appropriate creature to use as a model, since its
flight was associated with being uplifted by 'righteousness' and 'virtue', and
for a long time stood as a metaphor for 'broadening one's mind' or 'expanding
one's horizons'. This is a very apt theme for _Outbreak Company_ , which is
all about 'breaking' through to the other side, and expanding into new ground,
both physically and mentally. Both Kano and Myucel must grow and broaden their
minds and experiences, and so the Peng is an excellent metaphor for them!


CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-08-16T03:00:05.207
24122
2015-08-16T03:00:05.207
16253
6367
answer