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Huoling Shengmu, also known as Mother Fire Spirit, was a minor character in the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'.<br/><br/> 'Fengshen Yanyi', sometimes also known as 'Fengshen Bang' and translated to 'Investiture of the Gods', was a 16th-century Ming Dynasty novel written by Xu Zhonglin and Lu Xixing, and is a dramatised and fictionalised story depicting the fall of the Shang Dynasty and the rise of the Zhou Dynasty. It contains various elements and characters from Chinese mythology and folklore, including deities, gods, immortals, spririts and demons. It consists of 100 chapters, and was first published in book form in the 1550s.
Yuding Zhenren was a minor character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. Yuding Zhenren was one of the Twelve Golden Xian, twelve of Yuanshi Tianzun's greatest students. He was a devoted follower of Branch Chan of Taoism, fighting against Branch Jie. During the war between the Zhou and Shang armies, he fought alongside the Zhou army with the other Twelve Golden Xian, helping to overthrow the Shang Dynasty.
Xue Ehu was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. Xue Ehu, also known as Wicked Tiger, was a disciple of Heavenly Master of Divine Virtue, and aided the Zhou army by bringing them food when West Qi was under siege. He was eventually killed by Heavenly Master Yuan Jue.
Deng Jiugong was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. A general opposing E Shun, son of the South Grand Duke, at Sanshan Pass, he led the invasion against West Qi. He eventually switched sides and joined the Zhou army however, killing enemy commander Zhang Shan. Deng Jiugong was executed by Qiu Yin, the General of Divine Dignity, at Green Dragon Pass.
Zhao Gang, sometimes spelt Zhaogang, was a minor character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'.<br/><br/> 'Fengshen Yanyi', sometimes also known as 'Fengshen Bang' and translated to 'Investiture of the Gods', was a 16th-century Ming Dynasty novel written by Xu Zhonglin and Lu Xixing, and is a dramatised and fictionalised story depicting the fall of the Shang Dynasty and the rise of the Zhou Dynasty. It contains various elements and characters from Chinese mythology and folklore, including deities, gods, immortals, spririts and demons. It consists of 100 hundred chapters, and was first published in book form in the 1550s.
Princess Long Ji, sometimes written as Longji, was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. Princess Longji was the daughter of the exiled Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother of the West, Xiwang Mu. She was a celestial being who was able to control the water and rain, and was armed with twin dragon swords as well as a vase that could absorb fire and a mist dew net that could instantly soak an area.<br/><br/> She would become involved in the conflict between the Shang and Zhou armies, at first helping Yang Jian (Erlang Shen) defeat Earth Traveler Sun, and then repelling the fire god Luo Xuan, who almost burned down most of West Qi. Jiang Ziya welcomed Princess Longji into his army after hearing of her accomplishments, and she was granted her own residence in West Qi. She married the captured Shang general, Hong Jin, whom she had personally defeated and brought back as a prisoner, to turn him into an ally for the Zhou army.<br/><br/> Princess Longji would accompany her husband into many more battles against the Shang Dynasty, before both were eventually killed by the Immortal, Mother Golden Spirit. Jiang Ziya would deify her at the end of the novel as the Goddess of the Red Phoenix Star.
Lu Ya Daoren, commonly just known as Lu Ya, was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. Lu Ya was a hermit who resided on Mount West Kunlun, though he eventually came down to aid in the battle against the Shang Dynasty. He fought against the renowned general Zhao Gongming, killing him after a furious magical duel.
Nan Ji Xian Weng was a character in the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. An immortal, also known as the Immortal of the South Pole or the Old Man of the South Pole, he aided and encouraged the legendary sage Jiang Ziya to accomplish his destiny and help form the Zhou Dynasty. In Taoism, he is the deification of Canopus, the brightest star in the Carina constellation, and symbolises happiness and longevity in Far Eastern culture.
Su Quanzhong was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. The son of Marquis Su Hu of Jizhou and brother to Su Daji, later to become the possessed concubine of King Zhou of Shang, Su Quangzhong was a high-ranking official of the Shang Dynasty. When his father defied King Zhou by refusing to hand over his daughter and therefore sully his honour, a great coalition was formed to defeat the 'rebel' Su Hu.<br/><br/> Su Quanzhong led his father's forces against the invading Shang army, becoming renowned as a fierce protector of Ji province. When Chong Houhu, commander of the coalition, arrived with his army, Su Quanzhong rode forth on his horse and immediately cut down Houhu's right-hand general Mei Wu, forcing Houhu to retreat. Su Quanzhong continued to harass Houhu's forces, making them retreat multiple times, striking down both of Houhu's head generals and wounding Houhu himself.<br/><br/> Su Quanzhong eventually met his match in Houhu's brother, Chong Heihu, who was a fierce warrior equipped with magical weapons as well as a close friend of Su's father. He fought with Heihu, but was defeated and captured by Heihu's magical gourd. After the coalition was ended by a single letter from Ji Chang (King Wen of Zhou), Su Quanzhong would pay his respects to the first man to have ever defeated him, Heihu. He would be appointed as the deity in Beidou Xinggong by the end of the novel.
Su Hu was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. The father of King Zhou of Shang's favourite concubine Su Daji and Su Quanzhong, Su Hu was also marquis of Jizhou. When Su Hu came to renew his loyalty to the Shang Dynasty, he saw the corruption and injustice within King Zhou's court, and refused to obey its wishes, earning the scorn of Fei Zhong and You Hun, two of the most corrupt ministers in the Shang court.<br/><br/> When King Zhou, at Fei Zhong's insistence, demanded that Su Hu give his daughter to the king, Su Hu refused and defied the king, returning to his marquise to fortify his defenses for war. A great coalition was formed to bring the 'rebellious' Su Hu to heel, with the two dukes Chong Houhu and Ji Chang (King Wen of Zhou) given command of it. Chong Houhu eagerly attacked Su Hu's army, wishing to ingratiate himself before the king, while Ji Chang tried to resolve the matter peacefully.<br/><br/> After his son Su Quanzhong was captured, Su Hu was determined to keep his honour and prepared to kill himself, his wife and his daughter rather than be taken prisoner. In the end, Ji Chang managed to convince Su Hu to relent and give away his daughter to ease his people's suffering, ending the coalition with a single letter. His daughter would be possessed by the vixen spirit on her way to King Zhou's court, eventually leading to the collapse of the Shang Dynasty. Su Hu would join King Wu of Zhou's army in their attempt to bring down the Shang Dynasty, and was eventually killed by Yu Da at Tongguan Pass.
Ju Liusun was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. Ju Liusun was an immortal, and one of the Twelve Golden Xian, twelve of the Taoist Grand Master Yuanshi Tianzun's greatest students. He worked alongside the other twelve Xians and fellow disciple Jiang Ziya to support King Wu of Zhou against the tyrannical King Zhou of Shang. For his efforts, he would eventually become a Buddha, known as Krakucchanda.
Deng Chanyu was a character in the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. The daughter of general Deng Jiugong, she was married to the immortal Earth Traveler Sun, who was a dwarf and aided King Zhou of Shang. Despite her husband's initial allegiance, they later fight for the Zhou army alongside Deng Chanyu's father. They are eventually killed at the hands of General Zhang Kui and his wife, Gao Lanying.
Leizhenzi, also known as Thunderbolt, was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. A celestial being and thunder god, Leizhenzi was created by a great thunderstorm that hit Mount Swallow. While travelling through Mount Swallow, Ji Chang (King Wen of Zhou) came upon a small newborn baby, and took the baby in as his own. However, the immortal Yunzhongzi would soon take the newborn away as his disciple, knowing that Leizhenzi was destined to assist in the formation of the Zhou Dynasty.<br/><br/> After seven years, when Ji Chang was fleeing for his life from the capital city of the Shang Dynasty after being freed, the seven-year-old Leizhenzi was ordered by his master to go aid his father, but first had to take hold of his weapon, a golden rod, from the cliff's edge. Eating two large apricots he found near the cliff edge, he suddenly grew two great wings from his back, and his face became birdlike and monstrous. He then armed himself and went to aid his father.<br/><br/> He rescued his father, returning him to Phoenix City, the capital of Ji Province. He parted ways with his father after that, promising to return someday to aid him, which he would after Ji Chang's death and the rise of Leizhenzi's brother, Ken Wu of Zhou. He would fight alongside his brother against the Shang army, helping to bring down the Shang Dynasty. Leiznhenzi is possibly an analogue and derivative of Lei Gong, who is also a Chinese thunder god with a birdlike appearance.
Guangchengzi was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. The first of the Twelve Golden Xian, Guangchengzi was a student of Yuanshi Tianzun, and worked alongside fellow disciple Jiang Ziya to support King Wu of Zhou's attempts to overthrow the corrupt and tyrannical King Zhou of Shang.<br/><br/> He was one of the leaders of Branch Chan of Taoism, and his accidental killing of Jinguang Shengmu, a student of Tongtian Jiaozhu - who was the founder of Branch Jie of Taoism - led to a war between the two branches. The war would last for a long time, resulting in many Xians and gods being injured or killed, and leading to each branch supporting the two opposing sides during the Shang-Zhou war. Branch Chan supported the Zhou army, while Branch Jie aided King Zhou of Shang.<br/><br/> In Taoism, Guangchengzi is also considered the avatar of Daode Tianzun, and was said to have lived in the Kongtong Mountains, where he was visited by the Yellow Emperor, resulting in him playing a crucial role in the creation of early Chinese civilisation. He is even sometimes considered the avatar of Dao itself.
Known by many names, Jiang Ziya was a Chinese noble and sage who played a criitical role in the overthrow of the Shang Dynasty and the establishment of the Zhou Dynasty afterwards. The last ruler of the Shang Dynasty, King Zhou of Shang, was a tyrannical and depraved man corrupted by his possessed concubine Su Daji. After having dutifully served in the Shang court for twenty years, he found King Zhou's reign insufferable, and feigned madness to be excused from court life.<br/><br/> He was eventually found and recruited by King Wen of Zhou, reportedly at the age of seventy-two, after Jiang Ziya agreed to serve him. Given the title of Jiang Taigong Wang ('The Great Duke's Hope') and appointed as Prime Minister, he served King Wen's son, King Wu, after the former died. Once the people of the Shang Dynasty had had enough of King Zhou's tyrannical rule and rose up against him, Jiang Ziya led an army to overthrow him, defeating the Shang army at the Battle of Muye in 1043 BCE. The Shang Dynasty fell, and the Zhou Dynasty rose in its place to rule over all of China.<br/><br/> He is also a prominent character in the Ming Dynasty classic novel 'Fengshen Yanyi', where he has mystical powers and is considered the archrival of Su Daji. After King Zhou's death, Su Daji was captured as she attempted to flee and executed on the order of Jiang Ziya himself. He is considered by some as the most famous Prime Minister in Chinese history, and one of the world's greatest strategists.
King Wu of Zhou was the first king of the Zhou Dynasty of ancient China, with his rule generally thought to have started around 1046 BCE, before ending only three years later in 1043 BCE. His story and rise is dramatised in the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'.<br/><br/> Originally called Ji Fa, he was the second son of King Wen of Zhou, and younger brother of Bo Yikao, who had been killed by King Zhou of Shang after having rejected the advances of King Zhou's favourite concubine, the vixen spirit Su Daji. After his father's death, Ji Fa continued his father's unfinished task of overthrowing the Shang Dynasty, working alongside his father-in-law, the sage Jiang Ziya.<br/><br/> Taking advantage of the disunity and riots within the Shang Dynasty, he launched an attack with the aid of many neighbouring dukes, eventually destroying Shang's forces during the Battle of Muye, which resulted in King Zhou of Shang committing suicide by setting his own palace on fire. Taking the name Wu ('martial') for himself, he started the Zhou Dynasty, becoming one of the great heroes of China.
Zhou Ji was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. Zhou Ji served as one of Huang Feihu's generals in the palace, and fled with his master when they left King Zhou of Shang's court after the death of Huang Feihu's sister, the Concubine Huang. During the uprising against the Shang Dynasty, Zhou Ji fought and was struck down by Chen Tong, the commander of Tongguan Pass, but would later be resurrected to continue fighting.
Cao Bao was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. A hermit who resided on Mount Wuyi, Cao Bao would play a role in the war between the Shang and Zhou armies. Entering the field of battle, he fought against the legendary General Zhao Gongming, managing to capture his weapons. He was later killed by Heavenly Master Wang Bian.
Yuanshi Tianzun, also known as the 'Celestial Venerable of the Primordial Beginning' or as the 'Primeval Lord of Heaven', is one of the highest deities in religious Taoism. Designated as one of the Three Pure Ones, Yuanshi Tianzun resided in the Heaven of Jade Purity, and was said to have come into being at the beginning of the universe as a result of the merging of pure breaths. Afterwards, he created Heaven and Earth.<br/><br/> It is said in Taoist mythology that Yuanshi Yianzun was the first supreme administrator of Heaven, before eventually entrusting the task to his assistant, Yuhuang. Yuhuang then became the Jade Emperor, becoming overseer to Heaven and Earth. Sacrifices were offered to Yuanshi Tianzun, with ox shoulder blades being used to send questions or communicate with Yuanshi Tianzun, a practice known as scapulimancy.<br/><br/> In the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi', Yuanshi Tianzun is depicted as a 'superiorman' who was master of Mount Kunlun, with many disciples learning under him, one of them being the legendary sage Jiang Ziya. Yuanshi Tianzun would eventually send Jiang Ziya back down to earth, knowing that his disciple would be instrumental in the creation of a new dynasty in China, the Zhou Dynasty.
Nangong Kuo was a top offiical of King Wen of Zhou, and a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. One of the five key advisers to King Wen, he was noted for his loyalty and his skill as a general. He was depicted as being very aggressive and impulsive, and constantly lusting to attack the Shang Dynasty for killing King Wen's first son, Bo Yikao.<br/><br/> After King Wen's death, he continued to serve as key adviser to his son, King Wu. He led multiple attacks against the Shang Dynasty, cutting down many rival generals and warriors. However, during the attack upon Phoenix City by General Zhang Guifang of the Shang Dynasty, Nangong dueled with and lost to Vanguard Feng Lin, primarily due to Feng's magic. He had to be rescued by Nezha later on in the story, before quickly returning to the fight.
Yang Ren was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. A high-ranking official within the Shang Dynasty, Yang Ren held the title of Grand Counselor. After Jiang Ziya committed 'suicide' so that he could quietly retire from the increasingly corrupt Shang court, Yang Ren became suspicious and began to investigate the matter.<br/><br/> Taking what he had learned to King Zhou of Shang, his logic and conclusions angered the king, who immediately demanded Yang Ren's eyes be gouged out as punishment. After his eyes were removed, Yang Ren lay on the floor in shock and horror, covered in his own blood, and would have bled out had the 'superiorman' Insouciant of Mount Green Top, Purple Cave not intervened. With his Ýellow Kerchiefed Genie, he blew on Yang Ren's eyes sockets and gifted him with a pair of hands that had eyes within their palms.<br/><br/> Declaring that Yang Ren's fate was not to end here and that the will of heaven still had plans for him, Insouciant took Yang Ren under his wing as his disciple. Yang Ren would eventually be deified at the end of the novel as the deity of Jiazi Taisui Shen.
A character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi', Chao Tian was an officer serving under King Zhou of Shang. When Huang Feihu rebelled against King Zhou and escaped to Ji province to serve King Wen of Zhou instead, Chao Tian and his brother Chao Lei were sent to spy on them; the two were described as being the right and left hands of King Zhou himself.<br/><br/> They are eventually found out and defeated by Nangong Kuo, who captures them and brings them back to the sage Jiang Ziya. They refuse to kneel in front of Jiang Ziya, seeing him as no more than a peon. Huang Feihu tried to convince them to become generals under the Zhou army to avoid being executed, but they refuse, worrying for their families should they be found fighting against King Zhou.<br/><br/> Their lives were spared in the end, and the two brothers were forced to stay within Phoenix City. By the end of the novel, Chao Tian was appointed as the deity of Suipo Star, while his brother became the deity of Zhongduo Xinggong.
Xiwangmu, also known by many other local names and titles, is a major goddess in Chinese folk religion and mythology. Associated with eternal bliss, longevity and prosperity, worship of Xiwangmu may date back all the way to the 15th century BCE, though she is mainly associated with Taoism.<br/><br/> Xiwangmu is often portrayed holding court within her palace on the mythical Mount Kunlun, ruling over a paradise of immortals and deities, serving the 'Peaches of Immortality' to her guests. She plays only a minor role in 'Fengshen Yanyi', though her daughter Princess Longji plays a much more significant role.
Huang Tianhua was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. The eldest son of Huang Feihu, Huang Tianhua was sent away at the age of three to be tutored under the 'superiorman' Master Virtue of the Pure Void. He was described as wearing golden armour and wielding the mystical Moye Sword, as well as his master's Fire Dragon Javelin and twin golden-tipped hammers. He rode his master's <i>kirin</i>, which could transport him to any location in mere seconds.<br/><br/> He eventually left his master's service after hearing of his father's death by Cheng Tong. Given a flower basket by his master, he rushed to his father's camp, and brought him back to life with magical pills in the flower basket. Formally introducing himself to his family, he asked about his mother's whereabouts and after hearing of her death at the hands of King Zhou of Shang, swore to aid in bringing down King Zhou.<br/><br/> He fought in many battles against the Shang Dynasty, dying at least once before being revived by his master. He died a permanent death at the hands of Gao Jineng, becoming one of the first casualties among the Zhou's army's most talented generals. His death was avenged by his father, who killed Gao Jineng with one blow. At the end of the novel, Jiang Ziya posthumously deifies Huang Tianhua as Bing Ling Gong of the Three Sacred Mountains.
San Yisheng was a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. As Grand Counselor, he was a top official of the early Zhou Dynasty. He was renowned as a mighty protector of both Ji Chang (King Wen of Zhou) and of Ji province, having served under the king for many years. His greatest achievement was stopping Chong Houhu's coalition against the 'rebel' Su Hu with a simple letter of rationality.<br/><br/> Even after Ji Chang was imprisoned by King Zhou of Shang for seven years, San Yisheng remained loyal to him. He composed a letter to Supreme Counselors Fei Zhong and You Hun which resulted in Ji Chang's release, and helped to keep Ji province calm, urging people to be rational and not go to war against the Shang Dynasty.
King Wu of Zhou was the first king of the Zhou Dynasty of ancient China, with his rule generally thought to have started around 1046 BCE, before ending only three years later in 1043 BCE. His story and rise is dramatised in the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'.<br/><br/> Originally called Ji Fa, he was the second son of King Wen of Zhou, and younger brother of Bo Yikao, who had been killed by King Zhou of Shang after having rejected the advances of King Zhou's favourite concubine, the vixen spirit Su Daji. After his father's death, Ji Fa continued his father's unfinished task of overthrowing the Shang Dynasty, working alongside his father-in-law, the sage Jiang Ziya.<br/><br/> Taking advantage of disunity and riots in Shang Dynasty, he launched attack with the aid of many neighbouring dukes, eventually destroying Shang's forces during the Battle of Muye, which resulted in King Zhou of Shang committing suicide by setting his own palace on fire. Taking the name Wu ('martial') for himself, he started the Zhou Dynasty, becoming one of the great heroes of China.
Wei Hu is a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi', and was an analogue of Skanda (Kartikeya), the Hindu god of war. He was a disciple of the Heavenly Master of Divine Virtue, and wielded a demon suppression club. Possessed of monstrous strength, Wei Hu was bloodthirsty and loved fighting.<br/><br/> He was sent to assist Jiang Ziya in the sage's fight against the Shang Dynasty by his master, and often fought alongside Nezha and other heroes opposed to the cruel King Zhou of Shang. He developed a close comradeship with Yang Ren, and was appointed as executioner of the vixen spirit Pipa Jing.
Jizi, or Qizi (Gija or Kija in Korean), was a semi-mythical sage said to have ruled Gojoseon, an ancient Korean kingdom, in the 11th century BCE. Early Chinese documents claim him to be a virtuous relative of King Zhou of Shang, who remonstrated with the king and was punished for it. After the Shang Dynasty was overthrown by the Zhou Dynasty in the 1040s BCE, he became a political advisor to King Wu of Zhou.<br/><br/> King Wu made Jizi ruler of Chaoxian (Joseon in Korean) as a reward for his loyalty. It is said that he brought many facets of Chinese civilisation to Joseon, such as agriculture and sericulture. He would become a cultural hero in Korea, praised for raising Korean civilisation to the same level as China, and state cults dedicated to him developed in the 6th century CE onwards, with many clans proudly claiming to be his descendants.<br/><br/> The rise of Korean nationalism in the late 19th and early 20th century CE saw his cultural status and achievements questioned and dismissed however, due to many nationalist historians views of the Korean <i>minjok</i> (race-nation) and a refusal to recognise Chinese influence on Korean cultural development.
Bo Yikao was the eldest son of King Wen of Zhou, and brother to the future King Wu, founder of the Zhou Dynasty. He predeceased his father, most likely at the hands of King Zhou of Shang, with his death possibly being the first instance of <i>lingchi</i> ('death by a thousand cuts'). Some sources say that he simply did not inherit the kingdom, either as an abberant occurrence, or due to an older Zhou tradition of passing over the eldest son in favour of a younger son.<br/><br/> In the Ming Dynasty novel 'Fenghsen Yanyi', his life and death are dramatised. After his father was imprisoned by King Zhou, Bo Yikao - who was described as handsome and filial, skilled in music and the arts - was the one who came with the bribes to free him. King Zhou's concubine and secretly a vixen spirit, Su Daji, immediately fell in love with him, and had the king employ Bo Yikai to teach her how to play the <i>guqin</i> (musical instrument). When she tries to seduce him, Bo Yikai rejects and ridicules her, turning her infatuation into hatred.<br/><br/> She subsequently complains to King Zhou that Yikao molested her and insulted the king in his music. He orders Yikao to be executed, minced into pieces and then made into meat cakes. Not content with that, he then sends the cakes to Yikao's father, who through his divination, had already foreseen his son's fate, but eats the cakes anyway, so as not to arouse the king's suspicion. He vomits out the cakes on his way home, transforming into three white rabbits, later brought under the care of the moon goddess Chang'e.
Known by many names, Jiang Ziya was a Chinese noble and sage who played a criitical role in the overthrow of the Shang Dynasty and the establishment of the Zhou Dynasty afterwards. The last ruler of the Shang Dynasty, King Zhou of Shang, was a tyrannical and depraved man corrupted by his possessed concubine Su Daji. After having dutifully served in the Shang court for twenty years, he found King Zhou's reign insufferable, and feigned madness to be excused from court life.<br/><br/> He was eventually found and recruited by King Wen of Zhou, reportedly at the age of seventy-two, after Jiang Ziya agreed to serve him. Given the title of Jiang Taigong Wang ('The Great Duke's Hope') and appointed as prime minister, he served King Wen's son, King Wu, after the former died. Once the people of Shang Dynasty had had enough of King Zhou's tyrannical rule and rose up against him, Jiang Ziya led an army to overthrow him, defeating the Shang army at the Battle of Muye in 1043 BCE. The Shang Dynasty fell, and the Zhou Dynasty rose in its place to rule over all of China.<br/><br/> He is also a prominent character in the Ming Dynasty classic novel 'Fengshen Yanyi', where he has mystical powers and is considered the archrival of Su Daji. After King Zhou's death, Su Daji was captured as she attempted to flee and executed on the order of Jiang Ziya himself. He is considered by some as the most famous Prime Minister in Chinese history, and one of the world's greatest strategists.
The Warring States Period was an era in ancient Chinese history following the Spring and Autumn period and concluding with the Qin wars of conquest that saw the annexation of all other contender states, which ultimately led to the Qin state's victory in 221 BCE as the first unified Chinese empire known as the Qin dynasty.<br/><br/> The Warring States Period derives its name from the Record of the Warring States, a work compiled early in the Han dynasty.
The Warring States Period was an era in ancient Chinese history following the Spring and Autumn period and concluding with the Qin wars of conquest that saw the annexation of all other contender states, which ultimately led to the Qin state's victory in 221 BCE as the first unified Chinese empire known as the Qin dynasty.<br/><br/> The Warring States Period derives its name from the Record of the Warring States, a work compiled early in the Han dynasty.
Known by many names, Jiang Ziya was a Chinese noble and sage who played a criitical role in the overthrow of the Shang Dynasty and the establishment of the Zhou Dynasty afterwards. The last ruler of the Shang Dynasty, King Zhou of Shang, was a tyrannical and depraved man corrupted by his possessed concubine Su Daji. After having dutifully served in the Shang court for twenty years, he found King Zhou's reign insufferable, and feigned madness to be excused from court life.<br/><br/> He was eventually found and recruited by King Wen of Zhou, reportedly at the age of seventy-two, after Jiang Ziya agreed to serve him. Given the title of Jiang Taigong Wang ('The Great Duke's Hope') and appointed as prime minister, he served King Wen's son, King Wu, after the former died. Once the people of Shang Dynasty had had enough of King Zhou's tyrannical rule and rose up against him, Jiang Ziya led an army to overthrow him, defeating the Shang army at the Battle of Muye in 1043 BCE. The Shang Dynasty fell, and the Zhou Dynasty rose in its place to rule over all of China.<br/><br/> He is also a prominent character in the Ming Dynasty classic novel 'Fengshen Yanyi', where he has mystical powers and is considered the archrival of Su Daji. After King Zhou's death, Su Daji was captured as she attempted to flee and executed on the order of Jiang Ziya himself. He is considered by some as the most famous Prime Minister in Chinese history, and one of the world's greatest strategists.
The Zhou Bi Suan Jing, or Chou Pei Suan Ching, is one of the oldest Chinese mathematical texts. 'Zhou' refers to the ancient Zhou dynasty (c. 1046 - 256 BCE) 'Bi' refers to the gnomon of a sundial.<br/><br/> The study is an anonymous collection of 246 problems encountered by the Duke of Zhou and his astronomer and mathematician, Shang Gao. Each question has stated their numerical answer and corresponding arithmetic algorithm. The <i>Zhoubi suanjing</i> contains one of the first recorded proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem.
Wu Ji is a character from the classic Ming Dynasty novel 'Fengshen Yanyi'. In the novel, Wu Ji was a common woodcutter from the Western Foothills. Every day, while he was cutting wood, he would notice the sage Jiang Ziya sitting beneath a large willow tree while fishing without bait.<br/><br/> Eventually, Wu Ji became curious and asked the sage what his name was, laughing when Jiang would tell him his by-name was Flying Bear, since only high-ranking or learned officials could have by-names. Wu Ji mocks Jiang, who thens tells Wu Ji that he will kill a person today. Wu Ji angrily takes his leave at being cursed. True to Jiang's word, Wu Ji accidentally killed someone that day, and rushed back to plead for help from the sage, who agreed to help only after Wu Ji vowed to become Jiang's disciple.<br/><br/> He continued to serve as Jiang's disciple faithfully, and when Ji Chang, also known as King Wen of Zhou, and his entourage arrived at the River Pan, Wu Ji led them to his master's house. After Jiang Ziya was recruited by Ji Chang and promoted to Prime Minister, Wu Ji went with him and attained the rank of general.
The Warring States Period was an era in ancient Chinese history following the Spring and Autumn period and concluding with the Qin wars of conquest that saw the annexation of all other contender states, which ultimately led to the Qin state's victory in 221 BCE as the first unified Chinese empire known as the Qin dynasty.<br/><br/> The Warring States Period derives its name from the Record of the Warring States, a work compiled early in the Han dynasty.
The Mogao Caves, or Mogao Grottoes (Chinese: mò gāo kū), also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas and Dunhuang Caves, form a system of 492 temples 25 km (15.5 miles) southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis strategically located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, in Gansu province, China.<br/><br/> The caves contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art spanning a period of 1,000 years. The first caves were dug out 366 AD as places of Buddhist meditation and worship. The Mogao Caves are the best known of the Chinese Buddhist grottoes and, along with Longmen Grottoes and Yungang Grottoes, are one of the three famous ancient sculptural sites of China. The caves also have famous wall paintings.
A yi (Chinese: 匜; pinyin: yí) is a shape used in ancient Chinese ritual bronzes. It has the shape of half a gourd with a handle (often in the shape of a dragon) and usually supported by four legs. It is believed it was used to contain water for washing hands before rituals like sacrifices.
The zun is an ancient type of Chinese bronze or ceramic wine vessel with a round or square vase-like form, and sometimes in the shape of an animal.<br/><br/> The Zhou had long been vassals of the Shang, but eventually grew strong enough to defeat them in warfare in the 11th century BCE. They continued to hold sway until the 5th century BCE. Chinese boundaries were expanded, land reform was instituted and towns were built. Also, the declining years of the Zhou era produced two of China’s most influential thinkers, Kongfuzi (Confucius) and Laozi (Lao Tzu).
Tathāgata (Devanagari: तथागत, Sanskrit: [t̪əˈtɑɡət̪ə]) is a Pali and Sanskrit word that the Buddha of the Pali Canon uses when referring to himself. The term is often thought to mean either 'one who has thus gone' (tathā-gata) or 'one who has thus come' (tathā-āgata). This is interpreted as signifying that the Tathagata is beyond all coming and going – beyond all transitory phenomena.
Tathāgata (Devanagari: तथागत, Sanskrit: [t̪əˈtɑɡət̪ə]) is a Pali and Sanskrit word that the Buddha of the Pali Canon uses when referring to himself. The term is often thought to mean either 'one who has thus gone' (tathā-gata) or 'one who has thus come' (tathā-āgata). This is interpreted as signifying that the Tathagata is beyond all coming and going – beyond all transitory phenomena.
Stelae (Chinese: 碑; pinyin: béi) have been the major medium of stone inscription in China since the Tang dynasty (618 - 907 CE). Chinese stelae are generally rectangular stone tablets upon which Chinese characters are carved intaglio with a funerary, commemorative, or edifying text. They can commemorate talented writers and officials, inscribe poems, portraits, or maps, and frequently contain the calligraphy of famous historical figures.
Maitreya (Sanskrit), Metteyya (Pāli), Maithree (Sinhala), or Jampa (Tibetan) is a bodhisattva who in the Buddhist tradition is to appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma. According to scriptures, Maitreya will be a successor of the historic Śākyamuni Buddha. The prophecy of the arrival of Maitreya references a time when the Dharma will have been forgotten on Jambudvipa. It is found in the canonical literature of all Buddhist sects (Theravāda, Mahāyāna, Vajrayāna), and is accepted by most Buddhists as a statement about an event that will take place when the Dharma will have been forgotten on Earth.<br/><br/> Stelae (Chinese: 碑; pinyin: béi) have been the major medium of stone inscription in China since the Tang dynasty (618 - 907 CE). Chinese stelae are generally rectangular stone tablets upon which Chinese characters are carved intaglio with a funerary, commemorative, or edifying text. They can commemorate talented writers and officials, inscribe poems, portraits, or maps, and frequently contain the calligraphy of famous historical figures.
Maitreya (Sanskrit), Metteyya (Pāli), Maithree (Sinhala), or Jampa (Tibetan) is a bodhisattva who in the Buddhist tradition is to appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma. According to scriptures, Maitreya will be a successor of the historic Śākyamuni Buddha. The prophecy of the arrival of Maitreya references a time when the Dharma will have been forgotten on Jambudvipa. It is found in the canonical literature of all Buddhist sects (Theravāda, Mahāyāna, Vajrayāna), and is accepted by most Buddhists as a statement about an event that will take place when the Dharma will have been forgotten on Earth.<br/><br/> Stelae (Chinese: 碑; pinyin: béi) have been the major medium of stone inscription in China since the Tang dynasty (618 - 907 CE). Chinese stelae are generally rectangular stone tablets upon which Chinese characters are carved intaglio with a funerary, commemorative, or edifying text. They can commemorate talented writers and officials, inscribe poems, portraits, or maps, and frequently contain the calligraphy of famous historical figures.
Stelae (Chinese: 碑; pinyin: béi) have been the major medium of stone inscription in China since the Tang dynasty (618 - 907 CE). Chinese stelae are generally rectangular stone tablets upon which Chinese characters are carved intaglio with a funerary, commemorative, or edifying text. They can commemorate talented writers and officials, inscribe poems, portraits, or maps, and frequently contain the calligraphy of famous historical figures.
Wu Zetian (17 February 624–16 December 705), personal name Wu Zhao, often referred to as Tian Hou during the Tang Dynasty and Empress Consort Wu in later times, was the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Empress Regnant. She was de facto ruler of China first through her husband the Emperor Gaozong and then through her sons the Emperors Zhongzong and Ruizong from 665 to 690. She then broke all precedents when she founded her own dynasty in 690, the Zhou (briefly interrupting the Tang Dynasty), and ruled personally under the name Sacred and Divine Empress Regnant from 690 to 705. Her rise and reign has been criticized harshly by Confucian historians but has been viewed in a different light after the 1950s.
King Wu of Zhou or King Wu of Chou was the first of the Chinese Zhou Dynasty. The dates of his reign are 1046-1043 BCE or 1049/45-1043 (Cambridge History of Ancient China). Various sources quoted that he died at the age of 93, 54 or 43. He was considered a just and able leader. Zhou Gong Dan was one of his brothers.<br/><br/> In 1048 BCE, Wu marched down the Yellow River to the Mengjin ford and met with more than 800 dukes. In 1046 BCE, seeing that the Shang government was in a shambles, King Wu launched an attack along with many neighboring dukes. In the Battle of Muye, Shang forces were destroyed, and King Zhou of Shang set his palace on fire and burned himself to death. Following the victory, King Wu established many smaller feudal states under the rule of his brothers and generals. He died three years later in 1043 BCE.
King Wu of Zhou or King Wu of Chou was the first of the Chinese Zhou Dynasty. The dates of his reign are 1046-1043 BCE or 1049/45-1043 (Cambridge History of Ancient China). Various sources quoted that he died at the age of 93, 54 or 43. He was considered a just and able leader. Zhou Gong Dan was one of his brothers.<br/><br/> In 1048 BCE, Wu marched down the Yellow River to the Mengjin ford and met with more than 800 dukes. In 1046 BCE, seeing that the Shang government was in a shambles, King Wu launched an attack along with many neighboring dukes. In the Battle of Muye, Shang forces were destroyed, and King Zhou of Shang set his palace on fire and burned himself to death. Following the victory, King Wu established many smaller feudal states under the rule of his brothers and generals. He died three years later in 1043 BCE.
The Mogao Caves, or Mogao Grottoes (Chinese: mò gāo kū), also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas and Dunhuang Caves, form a system of 492 temples 25 km (15.5 miles) southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis strategically located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, in Gansu province, China.<br/><br/>The caves contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art spanning a period of 1,000 years. The first caves were dug out 366 AD as places of Buddhist meditation and worship. The Mogao Caves are the best known of the Chinese Buddhist grottoes and, along with Longmen Grottoes and Yungang Grottoes, are one of the three famous ancient sculptural sites of China. The caves also have famous wall paintings.
Zhong Shaojing was an official of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty (690-705), briefly serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Ruizong. Zhong's calligraphy was so frequently requested that almost all horizontal boards and signs of famous palaces and buildings were inscribed by him during the time of Empress Wu Zetian.
Wu Zetian (17 February 624–16 December 705), personal name Wu Zhao, often referred to as Tian Hou during the Tang Dynasty and Empress Consort Wu in later times, was the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Empress Regnant. She was de facto ruler of China first through her husband the Emperor Gaozong and then through her sons the Emperors Zhongzong and Ruizong from 665 to 690. She then broke all precedents when she founded her own dynasty in 690, the Zhou (briefly interrupting the Tang Dynasty), and ruled personally under the name Sacred and Divine Empress Regnant from 690 to 705. Her rise and reign has been criticized harshly by Confucian historians but has been viewed in a different light after the 1950s.
The Heart Sūtra, belonging to the Perfection of Wisdom (Prajñāpāramitā) category of Mahāyāna Buddhism literature along with the Diamond Sūtra, is perhaps the most prominent representative of the genre. The Heart Sūtra is made up of 14 shlokas in Sanskrit, with each shloka containing 32 syllables. In the standard Chinese translation by Xuanzang, it has 260 Chinese characters. In English it is composed of sixteen sentences.
Wu Zetian (17 February 624–16 December 705), personal name Wu Zhao, often referred to as Tian Hou during the Tang Dynasty and Empress Consort Wu in later times, was the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Empress Regnant. She was de facto ruler of China first through her husband the Emperor Gaozong and then through her sons the Emperors Zhongzong and Ruizong from 665 to 690. She then broke all precedents when she founded her own dynasty in 690, the Zhou (briefly interrupting the Tang Dynasty), and ruled personally under the name Sacred and Divine Empress Regnant from 690 to 705. Her rise and reign has been criticized harshly by Confucian historians but has been viewed in a different light after the 1950s.
Wu Zetian ( 624-705), personal name Wu Zhao, often referred to as Tian Hou during the Tang Dynasty and Empress Consort Wu in later times, was the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Empress Regnant. As de facto ruler of China first through her husband and her sons from 665 to 690, not unprecedented in Chinese history, she then broke all precedents when she founded her own dynasty in 690, the Zhou (interrupting the Tang Dynasty), and ruled personally under the name Sacred and Divine Empress Regnant and variations thereof from 690 to 705. Her rise and reign has been criticized harshly by Confucian historians but has been viewed under a different light since 1949.
The Qianling Mausoleum is a Tang Dynasty (618–907) tomb site located in Qian County, Shaanxi province, China, and is 85 km (53 miles) northwest of Xi'an, the former Tang capital.<br/><br/> Built by 684 (with additional construction until 706), the tombs of the mausoleum complex house the remains of various members of the royal Li family. This includes Emperor Gaozong of Tang (r. 649–683), as well as his wife, the Zhou Dynasty usurper and China's first (and only) governing empress Wu Zetian (r. 690–705).<br/><br/> The mausoleum is renowned for its many Tang Dynasty stone statues located above ground and the mural paintings adorning the subterranean walls of the tombs. Besides the main tumulus mound and underground tomb of Gaozong and Wu Zetian, there is a total of 17 smaller attendant tombs.
The Qianling Mausoleum is a Tang Dynasty (618–907) tomb site located in Qian County, Shaanxi province, China, and is 85 km (53 miles) northwest of Xi'an, the former Tang capital.<br/><br/> Built by 684 (with additional construction until 706), the tombs of the mausoleum complex house the remains of various members of the royal Li family. This includes Emperor Gaozong of Tang (r. 649–683), as well as his wife, the Zhou Dynasty usurper and China's first (and only) governing empress Wu Zetian (r. 690–705).<br/><br/> The mausoleum is renowned for its many Tang Dynasty stone statues located above ground and the mural paintings adorning the subterranean walls of the tombs. Besides the main tumulus mound and underground tomb of Gaozong and Wu Zetian, there is a total of 17 smaller attendant tombs.
The Qianling Mausoleum is a Tang Dynasty (618–907) tomb site located in Qian County, Shaanxi province, China, and is 85 km (53 miles) northwest of Xi'an, the former Tang capital.<br/><br/> Built by 684 (with additional construction until 706), the tombs of the mausoleum complex house the remains of various members of the royal Li family. This includes Emperor Gaozong of Tang (r. 649–683), as well as his wife, the Zhou Dynasty usurper and China's first (and only) governing empress Wu Zetian (r. 690–705).<br/><br/> The mausoleum is renowned for its many Tang Dynasty stone statues located above ground and the mural paintings adorning the subterranean walls of the tombs. Besides the main tumulus mound and underground tomb of Gaozong and Wu Zetian, there is a total of 17 smaller attendant tombs.
The Qianling Mausoleum is a Tang Dynasty (618–907) tomb site located in Qian County, Shaanxi province, China, and is 85 km (53 miles) northwest of Xi'an, the former Tang capital.<br/><br/> Built by 684 (with additional construction until 706), the tombs of the mausoleum complex house the remains of various members of the royal Li family. This includes Emperor Gaozong of Tang (r. 649–683), as well as his wife, the Zhou Dynasty usurper and China's first (and only) governing empress Wu Zetian (r. 690–705).<br/><br/> The mausoleum is renowned for its many Tang Dynasty stone statues located above ground and the mural paintings adorning the subterranean walls of the tombs. Besides the main tumulus mound and underground tomb of Gaozong and Wu Zetian, there is a total of 17 smaller attendant tombs.
The Qianling Mausoleum is a Tang Dynasty (618–907) tomb site located in Qian County, Shaanxi province, China, and is 85 km (53 miles) northwest of Xi'an, the former Tang capital.<br/><br/> Built by 684 (with additional construction until 706), the tombs of the mausoleum complex house the remains of various members of the royal Li family. This includes Emperor Gaozong of Tang (r. 649–683), as well as his wife, the Zhou Dynasty usurper and China's first (and only) governing empress Wu Zetian (r. 690–705).<br/><br/> The mausoleum is renowned for its many Tang Dynasty stone statues located above ground and the mural paintings adorning the subterranean walls of the tombs. Besides the main tumulus mound and underground tomb of Gaozong and Wu Zetian, there is a total of 17 smaller attendant tombs.
The Qianling Mausoleum is a Tang Dynasty (618–907) tomb site located in Qian County, Shaanxi province, China, and is 85 km (53 miles) northwest of Xi'an, the former Tang capital.<br/><br/> Built by 684 (with additional construction until 706), the tombs of the mausoleum complex house the remains of various members of the royal Li family. This includes Emperor Gaozong of Tang (r. 649–683), as well as his wife, the Zhou Dynasty usurper and China's first (and only) governing empress Wu Zetian (r. 690–705).<br/><br/> The mausoleum is renowned for its many Tang Dynasty stone statues located above ground and the mural paintings adorning the subterranean walls of the tombs. Besides the main tumulus mound and underground tomb of Gaozong and Wu Zetian, there is a total of 17 smaller attendant tombs.
Wu Zetian ( 624-705), personal name Wu Zhao, often referred to as Tian Hou during the Tang Dynasty and Empress Consort Wu in later times, was the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Empress Regnant. As de facto ruler of China first through her husband and her sons from 665 to 690, not unprecedented in Chinese history, she then broke all precedents when she founded her own dynasty in 690, the Zhou (interrupting the Tang Dynasty), and ruled personally under the name Sacred and Divine Empress Regnant and variations thereof from 690 to 705. Her rise and reign has been criticized harshly by Confucian historians but has been viewed under a different light since 1949.
Wu Zetian ( 624-705), personal name Wu Zhao, often referred to as Tian Hou during the Tang Dynasty and Empress Consort Wu in later times, was the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Empress Regnant. As de facto ruler of China first through her husband and her sons from 665 to 690, not unprecedented in Chinese history, she then broke all precedents when she founded her own dynasty in 690, the Zhou (interrupting the Tang Dynasty), and ruled personally under the name Sacred and Divine Empress Regnant and variations thereof from 690 to 705. Her rise and reign has been criticized harshly by Confucian historians but has been viewed under a different light since 1949.
Wu Zetian ( 624-705), personal name Wu Zhao, often referred to as Tian Hou during the Tang Dynasty and Empress Consort Wu in later times, was the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Empress Regnant. As de facto ruler of China first through her husband and her sons from 665 to 690, not unprecedented in Chinese history, she then broke all precedents when she founded her own dynasty in 690, the Zhou (interrupting the Tang Dynasty), and ruled personally under the name Sacred and Divine Empress Regnant and variations thereof from 690 to 705. Her rise and reign has been criticized harshly by Confucian historians but has been viewed under a different light since 1949.
Wu Zetian ( 624-705), personal name Wu Zhao, often referred to as Tian Hou during the Tang Dynasty and Empress Consort Wu in later times, was the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Empress Regnant. As de facto ruler of China first through her husband and her sons from 665 to 690, not unprecedented in Chinese history, she then broke all precedents when she founded her own dynasty in 690, the Zhou (interrupting the Tang Dynasty), and ruled personally under the name Sacred and Divine Empress Regnant and variations thereof from 690 to 705. Her rise and reign has been criticized harshly by Confucian historians but has been viewed under a different light since 1949.
The Qianling Mausoleum is a Tang Dynasty (618–907) tomb site located in Qian County, Shaanxi province, China, and is 85 km (53 miles) northwest of Xi'an, the former Tang capital.<br/><br/> Built by 684 (with additional construction until 706), the tombs of the mausoleum complex house the remains of various members of the royal Li family. This includes Emperor Gaozong of Tang (r. 649–683), as well as his wife, the Zhou Dynasty usurper and China's first (and only) governing empress Wu Zetian (r. 690–705).<br/><br/> The mausoleum is renowned for its many Tang Dynasty stone statues located above ground and the mural paintings adorning the subterranean walls of the tombs. Besides the main tumulus mound and underground tomb of Gaozong and Wu Zetian, there is a total of 17 smaller attendant tombs.
Known by many names, Jiang Ziya was a Chinese noble and sage who played a criitical role in the overthrow of the Shang Dynasty and the establishment of the Zhou Dynasty afterwards. The last ruler of the Shang Dynasty, King Zhou of Shang, was a tyrannical and depraved man corrupted by his possessed concubine Su Daji. After having dutifully served in the Shang court for twenty years, he found King Zhou's reign insufferable, and feigned madness to be excused from court life.<br/><br/> He was eventually found and recruited by King Wen of Zhou, reportedly at the age of seventy-two, after Jiang Ziya agreed to serve him. Given the title of Jiang Taigong Wang ('The Great Duke's Hope') and appointed as prime minister, he served King Wen's son, King Wu, after the former died. Once the people of Shang Dynasty had had enough of King Zhou's tyrannical rule and rose up against him, Jiang Ziya led an army to overthrow him, defeating the Shang army at the Battle of Muye in 1043 BCE. The Shang Dynasty fell, and the Zhou Dynasty rose in its place to rule over all of China.<br/><br/> He is also a prominent character in the Ming Dynasty classic novel 'Fengshen Yanyi', where he has mystical powers and is considered the archrival of Su Daji. After King Zhou's death, Su Daji was captured as she attempted to flee and executed on the order of Jiang Ziya himself. He is considered by some as the most famous Prime Minister in Chinese history, and one of the world's greatest strategists.