Interest in Chinese mythology is at an all-time high. This has largely been driven by the global blockbuster success of Ne Zha 2 (哪吒之魔童闹海, né zhā zhī mó tóng nào hǎi), a new Chinese animated fantasy action film based on Chinese mythology and a 16th-century novel, Investiture of the Gods ( 封神演義, fēng shén yǎnyì). For those new to this world, Chinese mythology is filled with fascinating deities, legendary heroes, and mythical creatures that have shaped Chinese culture and storytelling traditions for centuries.
In order to fully understand specific cultural references, folklore, and religious beliefs, it's essential to know who's who in Chinese mythology.
1. Sun Wukong (孫悟空, Sūn Wùkōng) - Monkey King The mischievous and powerful Monkey King, Sun Wukong, is one of the most iconic figures in Chinese mythology. He is the main character in Journey to the West (西遊記, xī yóu jì) and possesses incredible abilities, including shape-shifting, immortality, and immense strength.
2. Nezha (哪吒, Nézhā) - Third Lotus Prince Nezha is a rebellious deity and warrior known for his youthful appearance and extraordinary combat skills. He plays a key role in Investiture of the Gods ( 封神演義, fēng shén yǎn yì) and is famous for battling dragons and demons.
3-6. The Four Heavenly Kings (四大天王, Sì Dà Tiān Wáng) The Four Heavenly Kings are powerful Buddhist deities who guard the four cardinal directions. They are:
Vaiśravaṇa (多闻天, Duōwén Tiān) – King of the North, associated with wealth and protection. His symbolic weapon is an umbrella.
Virūḍhaka (增长天, Zēngzhǎng Tiān) – King of the South, linked to growth and expansion. His symbolic weapon is a sword.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra (持国天, Chíguó Tiān) – King of the East, known for his divine music and vigilance. His symbolic weapon is a Chinese instrument called the pipa.
Virūpākṣa (广目天, Guǎngmù Tiān) – King of the West, associated with vision and foresight. His symbolic weapon is a snake.
7. Guanyin (观音, Guānyīn) - Goddess of Mercy Guanyin is one of the most revered deities in Chinese Buddhism, known for her compassion and mercy. She aids those in distress and embodies the ideal of selfless love. 8. Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝, Yù Huáng Dà Dì) The Jade Emperor is the supreme ruler of Heaven and the cosmos in Chinese mythology. He governs deities, spirits, and the celestial bureaucracy.
9. Erlang Shen (二郎神, Èrláng Shén) Erlang Shen is a mighty warrior deity with a third eye on his forehead, allowing him to see through deception. He is famous for battling Sun Wukong in Journey to the West (西遊記, xī yóu jì).
10. Chang'e (嫦娥, Cháng'é) - Moon Goddess Chang'e is the goddess of the moon, known for drinking an immortality elixir and ascending to the heavens, leaving her husband Hou Yi behind.
11. Hou Yi (后羿, Hòu Yì) - Archer God Hou Yi is a legendary archer who shot down nine of the ten suns that scorched the earth, saving humanity from destruction.
12. Nuwa (女娲, Nǚwā) - Creator Goddess Nuwa is the mother goddess who created humanity and repaired the sky after a catastrophic disaster.
13. Fuxi (伏羲, Fúxī) Fuxi is Nuwa's brother and husband, credited with teaching humans essential skills like fishing, writing, and divination.
14. Zhong Kui (钟馗, Zhōng Kuí) Zhong Kui is a deity known for his ability to vanquish ghosts and demons. He is often depicted as a fierce warrior who protects people from malevolent spirits.
15. Yan Wang (阎王, Yán Wáng) - King of the Underworld Yan Wang, also known as Yama, is the ruler of the underworld who judges the souls of the deceased and determines their fate in the afterlife. 16. Ba Xian (八仙, Bā Xiān) - Eight Immortals The Eight Immortals are legendary Taoist figures, each possessing unique abilities. Some of the most famous include:
Lu Dongbin (吕洞宾, Lǚ Dòngbīn) – A scholar known for his swordsmanship and wisdom.
Li Tieguai (李铁拐, Lǐ Tiěguǎi) – A beggar with a magical iron crutch.
He Xiangu (何仙姑, Hé Xiāngū) – The only female immortal, associated with longevity.
Zhang Guolao (张果老, Zhāng Guǒlǎo) – An eccentric old man with a magical donkey.
17. Guan Yu (关羽, Guān Yǔ) - God of War Guan Yu was a historical figure later deified as a god of war and loyalty, worshipped in Chinese folk religion.
18. Zhu Bajie (猪八戒, Zhū Bājiè) A companion of Sun Wukong in Journey to the West (西遊記, xī yóu jì), Zhu Bajie is a half-human, half-pig creature known for his gluttony and humorous personality.
19. Sha Wujing (沙悟净, Shā Wùjìng)
Another companion of Sun Wukong, Sha Wujing is a river demon turned monk, playing a loyal and steady role in their pilgrimage.
20. Daji (妲己, Dájǐ)
Daji was a legendary fox spirit who became a concubine of the tyrant King Zhou, leading to the downfall of the Shang Dynasty.
21. Pangu (盘古, Pángǔ) - Creator God
Pangu is the primordial being who created the universe by separating the heavens and the earth.
22. Xiwangmu (西王母, Xīwángmǔ) - Queen Mother of the West
Xiwangmu is a powerful goddess who resides in Kunlun Mountain and controls immortality.
23. Shennong (神农, Shénnóng) - God of Agriculture
Shennong is a mythical emperor credited with inventing farming and discovering medicinal herbs.
24. Cangjie (仓颉, Cāngjié)
Cangjie is said to have invented Chinese characters inspired by observing nature and animals.
25. Lei Gong (雷公, Léi Gōng) - Thunder God
Lei Gong is the god of thunder, wielding a hammer to punish evil beings.
26. Feng Bo (风伯, Fēng Bó) & Yu Shi (雨师, Yǔ Shī)
Feng Bo is the god of wind, and Yu Shi is the god of rain, both controlling natural elements.
27. Chiyou (蚩尤, Chī Yóu)
Chiyou is a warrior god and legendary leader who fought against the Yellow Emperor in ancient Chinese mythology.
28. The Dragon King (龙王, Lóng Wáng)
The Dragon King is the ruler of the seas and is responsible for rain and weather control.
29. Bai Ze (白泽, Bái Zé)
Bai Ze is a mythical creature known for possessing knowledge of all supernatural beings and spirits.
30. Mazu (妈祖, Māzǔ) - Sea Goddess
Mazu is a protector of sailors and fishermen, revered across coastal regions in China.
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