Chinese Mythology is a convoluted tradition dating back thousands of years. It includes many Legends and stories about Gods Heroes demons and mythical Creatures. These stories are deeply rooted in Chinese culture and have been passed down from generation to generation. There are many deities in Chinese myths each with its own history and characteristics. In today’s article, we will learn about the main deities of Chinese mythology.
Yu Huang
Yu Huang is the supreme ruler of Heaven in Chinese Mythology also known as the Jade Emperor. He is one of the most important Gods in the Chinese Pantheon and is often depicted with a white beard and a long golden robe. Yu Huang is responsible for maintaining order in the Universe and ensuring that human beings live according to Virtue and Justice. He is invoked in prayers and religious ceremonies and is considered a symbol of peace stability and prosperity.
Yu Huang is also responsible for judging The Souls of the dead and deciding their fate after death. He is often associated with other gods and mythological figures including the gods of creation Fuxi and Nüwa. Yu Huang is also one of the patron gods of the martial arts venerated by practitioners seeking protection and guidance.
Fuxi
Fuxi is one of the oldest gods in Chinese Mythology considered one of the three that held in creating the world. According to Legend Fuxi was responsible for teaching humans basic survival skills including fishing hunting farming and Medicine. He is also credited with the invention of Chinese writing which was supposedly inspired by Marks he saw on the back of a turtle.
Fuxi is primarily associated with the concepts of Duality and balance in Chinese philosophy. Fuxi is often depicted with a snake wrapped around his body symbolizing Harmony between opposites. He is also regarded as the great protector of couples and families and is worshiped in wedding and birth ceremonies. He is one of the most revered Gods in Chinese Tradition and is adored in temples and shrines throughout China.
Nüwa
Nüwa is an important goddess in Chinese Mythology. According to Legend, She is responsible for creating Humanity from yellow clay giving it the ability to reproduce and grow as a species. She is credited with establishing the world and repairing the pillars of heaven when they fell down. Nüwa is often depicted as a beautiful woman with a human body in a Serpent’s tail. She is associated with Duality and balance in Chinese philosophy. Nüwa is called upon in prayers and religious ceremonies for protection and blessings for couples and Families.
Besides her attachment to Creation Nüwa is considered a goddess of justice and virtue and is invoked to help resolve disputes and conflicts. She is also considered a benevolent and compassionate figure who cares deeply about the welfare of human beings.
Shennong
Shennong is one of the strongest Gods in Chinese mythology associated with medicine and healing plans. He is considered one of the three kings who helped create Chinese civilization He is depicted as a man with an ox or dragon head. According to Legend Shennong is the creator of traditional Chinese medicine and is credited with discovering many medicinal plants and developing techniques for agriculture and plant cultivation. He is invoked in prayers and religious ceremonies for healing and protection against diseases and plagues.
Shennong is also considered a protector of farmers and gardeners. He died because of his research into the properties of plants using his own body. He ate the yellow flower of a weed that poisoned him not having time to drink the antidote.
Guanyin
Guanyin is one of the most popular deities in Chinese mythology considered the Goddess of mercy and compassion. She is depicted as a female figure with multiple arms symbolizing her ability to
save many people simultaneously. Guanyin is considered a benevolent and compassionate figure always willing to help those who suffer. She is commonly invoked in prayers and religious ceremonies to ask for help and guidance in difficult situations. She is seen as the protector of the sick the poor and the needy besides her merciful and compassionate nature.
Guanyin is also associated with fertility and is seen as the protector of pregnant women and children. She is an extremely popular figure in Chinese tradition and is worshiped in temples and shrines throughout China and other parts of the world.
Chang’e
Chang’e is an important Goddess in Chinese mythology associated with the moon. She is depicted as a beautiful woman wearing a jade Tiara. According to Legend Chang’e fell in love with the Mortal Archer Hou Yi, the skilled Bowman was tasked with protecting the world against the attack of 10 Firebirds that burnt everything in their path. Hou Yi shut down 9 Birds the pardoned one to serve as the sun that illuminates and warms our world. As a reward, Hou Yi was given the potion of immortality by the Gods.
One day Chang’e could not resist her curiosity and peeked into what her husband had kept. She found the potion and ingested it whole as a result she flew to the moon where she lives to this day in an ice palace, Her only company is the moon rabbit charged with concocting the elixir of immortality for the Gods
Lei Gong
Leigong is the God of thunder and lightning in Chinese mythology. He is considered a Divine judge in charge of punishing those who violate laws and ethical principles. Leigong is depicted as an imposing man wearing a red robe and carrying an Iron Hammer. He is often summoned to religious ceremonies to ask for justice and protection against the violation of laws and ethics.
Since Leigong’s power is thunder he has attendance capable of producing other Celestial phenomena. Leigong’s wife named Dianmu is the Goddess of lightning who is said to have used shiny mirrors to send lightning across the sky.
Lei gong is often depicted in Chinese art and literature. He is an important symbol of justice and ethics respected and worshiped by many devotees throughout the country.
Xiwangmu
Xiwangmu also known as the Queen Mother of the West is one of the oldest and most revered deities in Chinese mythology.
She is associated with immortality healing and Longevity. She is considered a benevolent and compassionate figure. Xiwangmu is depicted as a beautiful and elegant woman dressed in Long robes and a hat with Phoenix feathers. She is seen as the Guardian of Nature’s Secrets able to Grant immortality and healing to those who Revere her.
According to Chinese mythology, Xiwangmu resides in the Kunlun Mountains a sacred mountain in Northern China. She is sometimes portrayed as the leader of the Immortals. Her Palace is believed to be a perfect and all-comprehensive Paradise. The beaning place of the deities and a cosmic pillar for communications between deities and humans.
Nezha
Nezha is a unique figure in Chinese mythology associated with protection courage and loyalty. He is depicted as a young Warrior or even as a child with magical powers and superhuman abilities such as controlling fire and wind.
According to Chinese mythology, Nezha’s mother gave birth to a ball of flesh after a three-year and six-month pregnancy the ball of Flesh opened and instead of a baby Nezha emerged as a talking and walking boy. When Nezha killed the third Son Of The Dragon King of the EC he and his family became the targets of the Dragons of vengeance. Nezha eventually took his own life to save his family. Nezha is a champion of the innocent and oppressed and is invoked in religious ceremonies for protection and courage.
Sun Wukong
Sun Wukong is the famous Monkey King from Chinese mythology. He is a central character in The Classic Chinese novel “The Journey to the West” written during the Ming Dynasty. In the story, Sun Wukong is born of a Magic Stone and is trained by a Taoist Master to become a powerful fighter and martial arts master. He Rebels Against The Gods and becomes The Monkey King on Mount Huaguo.
In an attempt to curb his rebellious Behavior, the Gods invited him to participate in an expedition in search of the Sacred Scriptures in western China. Sun Wukong accepts the offer but causes much trouble during the journey, On this adventure, Sun Wukong faces numerous enemies including demons monsters, and other Gods he uses his wit and magical abilities to overcome his opponents becoming a legendary hero in Chinese mythology.