Zhang Guifang(张桂芳)
Alternative Names (異名):
张桂芳, Zhang Guifang
Zhang Guifang (Chinese: 张桂芳; Pinyin: Zhāng Guìfāng) is a fictional character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods.
Background
Zhang Guifang is the commander of Green Dragon Pass and serves under Grand Old Master Wen Zhong like an iron sword. In appearance, Zhang wears bulky white royal armor and wields a large ice spear. Due to Zhang's original status, he wields the magical ability "name call"; with this ability, Zhang could paralyze any individual if he happens to say their true name (such an ability is impossible to use on Superiormen however).
Following the trickery of Chao Lei, Wen Zhong would send Zhang and his vanguard Feng Lin to the Western Foothills on a punitive campaign. Following Zhang's arrival, he would try to convince Jiang Ziya to "see the light" and return to King Zhou. Shortly following this, a major battle would ensue between Zhang and his army. While personally dueling against Huang Feihu, he would shout the words, "Huang Feihu, get down from your beast!" Thus, Zhang captured Huang and returned to camp.
Later on, Nezha would confront Zhang around two days following the previous conflict with Jiang Ziya. Nezha would use his divine renown to easily smash through Zhang's unit of a thousand troops and even destroy Zhang's right arm with a crucial attack. However, Wang Magus would later heal Zhang's wounds, effectively allowing him to return again in battle. Following the desperate actions of Li Resounding, Zhang would immediately appear and rescue him from trouble. However, Zhang himself would be forced to flee. At the time of night, Jiang Ziya would send the Chao Twins and Heavenly Happiness before Zhang's camp. After declaring his eternal allegiance to King Zhou, Zhang would commit suicide by impaling himself with his sword.
Zhang Guifang was appointed as the deity of Sangmenxing (丧门星) in the end.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
Fengshen Yanyi characters | Taoism | Chinese gods | Chinese mythology
Showing posts with label Fengshen Yanyi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fengshen Yanyi. Show all posts
Yunzhongzi (云中子)
Yunzhongzi(云中子)
Alternative Names(異名):
云中子, Yunzhongzi
Yunzhongzi (Chinese: 云中子; pinyin: Yúnzhōngzǐ; literally "Master in Cloud") is a character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Fengshen Yanyi.
Yunzhongzi is a renowned immortal of the Jade Column Cave atop Mount South End. After the sinister Daji had taken her grasp over King Zhou of Shang, Yunzhongzi would be the first immortal to see the injustice from above the clouds. After Yunzhongzi had realized that this had been none other than the Thousand-Year Vixen, he exlclaimed the words, "If she is not eliminated, great disaster will befall the Red Dust! I must prevent this from happening!" Following this event, Yunzhongzi would present himself before King Zhou. After the king had asked for Yunzhongzi's home, Yunzhongzi would respond by saying that he is from cloud-water -- heart of cloud; mind of fluidity. Thus following this point, Yunzhongzi would engage in a great reformative conversation with the king, in hopes that he would be rid of Daji and employ the taoist way to his kingdom. Before Yunzhongzi leaves the king, he hands him his wooden sword - a sword that will gradually kill Daji through its latent spiritual power instilled by Yunzhongzi.
5 chapters later during the time of chapter 10, Yunzhongzi would be seen once again before the Grand Duke of the West, Ji Chang. After a special child had been found in a mysterious tomb following a very rare and sudden lightning storm, Yunzhongzi would once again appear. When Yunzhongzi had held the small baby in his arms after receiving consent, he said the words, "My Grand Duke. Please let me take this child to Mount South End, to raise and educate. When you come back in seven years, I will return him to you." Thus holding the baby in his hands, he parts the clouds and returns to the skies, determined to instill the taoist ways into this future savior of the new dynasty.
Later on within chapter 22, Yunzhongzi would peer over his Mount South End and see Ji Chang being chased by Generals Yin and Lei of Zhaoge. Once Cloud Dweller unleashes Leizhenzi to save Ji Chang, he is not shown again for some time.
Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
Superiormen of Fengshen Yanyi | Fengshen Yanyi characters | Taoism | Chinese gods | Chinese mythology
Alternative Names(異名):
云中子, Yunzhongzi
Yunzhongzi (Chinese: 云中子; pinyin: Yúnzhōngzǐ; literally "Master in Cloud") is a character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Fengshen Yanyi.
Yunzhongzi is a renowned immortal of the Jade Column Cave atop Mount South End. After the sinister Daji had taken her grasp over King Zhou of Shang, Yunzhongzi would be the first immortal to see the injustice from above the clouds. After Yunzhongzi had realized that this had been none other than the Thousand-Year Vixen, he exlclaimed the words, "If she is not eliminated, great disaster will befall the Red Dust! I must prevent this from happening!" Following this event, Yunzhongzi would present himself before King Zhou. After the king had asked for Yunzhongzi's home, Yunzhongzi would respond by saying that he is from cloud-water -- heart of cloud; mind of fluidity. Thus following this point, Yunzhongzi would engage in a great reformative conversation with the king, in hopes that he would be rid of Daji and employ the taoist way to his kingdom. Before Yunzhongzi leaves the king, he hands him his wooden sword - a sword that will gradually kill Daji through its latent spiritual power instilled by Yunzhongzi.
5 chapters later during the time of chapter 10, Yunzhongzi would be seen once again before the Grand Duke of the West, Ji Chang. After a special child had been found in a mysterious tomb following a very rare and sudden lightning storm, Yunzhongzi would once again appear. When Yunzhongzi had held the small baby in his arms after receiving consent, he said the words, "My Grand Duke. Please let me take this child to Mount South End, to raise and educate. When you come back in seven years, I will return him to you." Thus holding the baby in his hands, he parts the clouds and returns to the skies, determined to instill the taoist ways into this future savior of the new dynasty.
Later on within chapter 22, Yunzhongzi would peer over his Mount South End and see Ji Chang being chased by Generals Yin and Lei of Zhaoge. Once Cloud Dweller unleashes Leizhenzi to save Ji Chang, he is not shown again for some time.
Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
Superiormen of Fengshen Yanyi | Fengshen Yanyi characters | Taoism | Chinese gods | Chinese mythology
Wen Zhong (闻仲, 聞仲)
Wen Zhong(闻仲, 聞仲)
Alternative Names (異名):
闻仲, 聞仲, Wen Zhong
Wen Zhong (Chinese: 闻仲; Pinyin: Wén Zhòng) is a major character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Fengshen Yanyi).
Wen Zhong had been the top ranked official under King Da Yi since the times of old. Following the death of Da Yi, Wen Zhong would crown Zi Shou as the new king of the Shang Dynasty. In short time, Wen Zhong would head out on his great dragon to subdue rebelling demons within the North Sea (an action that would take over fifteen years).
Throughout Wen Zhong's fifteen years of battle, he would be destined to play a very large role in the schemes of Heaven. By decree of the Jade Emperor himself, Wen Zhong would attain a third eye atop his forehead. This third eye could see through any level of disillusion and falsehood. Upon Wen Zhong's arrival at the Noon Gate, he would greet his colleagues and see the absurdness of the situation; immediately Wen Zhong would order the king to come before him. After listening to the king's bickering, and easily seeing through to his true deluded idiocy, Wen Zhong would invite his allies to attend to the situation.
Wen Zhong was appointed as the deity of Puhua Tianzun (普化天尊) in the end.[1]
Notes
[1] Fengshen Yanyi Chapter 99.
References
Investiture of the Gods chapter 27
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Mythology
Fengshen Yanyi characters | Taoism | Chinese gods | Chinese mythology
Alternative Names (異名):
闻仲, 聞仲, Wen Zhong
Wen Zhong (Chinese: 闻仲; Pinyin: Wén Zhòng) is a major character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Fengshen Yanyi).
Wen Zhong had been the top ranked official under King Da Yi since the times of old. Following the death of Da Yi, Wen Zhong would crown Zi Shou as the new king of the Shang Dynasty. In short time, Wen Zhong would head out on his great dragon to subdue rebelling demons within the North Sea (an action that would take over fifteen years).
Throughout Wen Zhong's fifteen years of battle, he would be destined to play a very large role in the schemes of Heaven. By decree of the Jade Emperor himself, Wen Zhong would attain a third eye atop his forehead. This third eye could see through any level of disillusion and falsehood. Upon Wen Zhong's arrival at the Noon Gate, he would greet his colleagues and see the absurdness of the situation; immediately Wen Zhong would order the king to come before him. After listening to the king's bickering, and easily seeing through to his true deluded idiocy, Wen Zhong would invite his allies to attend to the situation.
Wen Zhong was appointed as the deity of Puhua Tianzun (普化天尊) in the end.[1]
Notes
[1] Fengshen Yanyi Chapter 99.
References
Investiture of the Gods chapter 27
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Mythology
Fengshen Yanyi characters | Taoism | Chinese gods | Chinese mythology
Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun (文殊广法天尊)
Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun(文殊广法天尊)
Alternative Names (異名):
文殊广法天尊, Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun
Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun (Chinese: 文殊广法天尊; Pinyin: Wénshū Guǎngfǎ Tiānzūn) is a character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods (more commonly known as Fengshen Yanyi). This role originated from Manjusri, a Bodhisattva in Buddhism.
Guangfa Tianzun is the superiorman over Mount Five Dragons, Cloud Top Cave and the renowned teacher of Jinzha, the first son of Li Jing. In rank, Guangfa Tianzun is seemingly an elite superiorman -- even greater than that of Nezha's teacher Taiyi Zhenren.
After a fine duel had ensued between Muzha and Nezha and Li Jing attempted his first suicide, Guangfa Tianzun would appear. Once Guangfa Tianzun had ordered Li Jing to enter his cave for safety, he would personally settle things with the "spoiled brat" Nezha. Once Nezha's temper raged and he thrusted his spear continuously at Guangfa Tianzun, Guangfa Tianzun would side step and throw his legendary Seven Treasure Golden Lotus over Nezha's head. Nezha would lose consciousness quickly following this and would find himself tied to a large gold post while cuffed by golden rings. Soon enough, Guangfa Tianzun would order Jinzha, his student, to flog Nezha. Following the arrival of Nezha's teacher, Taiyi Zhenren, it would be revealed that the whole event between Li Jing and Nezha had been set by Taiyi Zhenren as a chance to teach Nezha some discipline. After Nezha greeted Guangfa Tianzun and his master - who was sitting to Guangfa Tianzun's right - Nezha would have a great level of inner resent.
Following the leave of Nezha and Li Jing upon Guangfa Tianzun's order, Guangfa Tianzun would not be seen again for quite some time.
References
Investiture of the Gods chapter 14 pages 167 - 169
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Mythology
Superiormen of Fengshen Yanyi | Fengshen Yanyi characters | Taoism | Chinese gods | Chinese mythology | Literary character stubs
Alternative Names (異名):
文殊广法天尊, Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun
Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun (Chinese: 文殊广法天尊; Pinyin: Wénshū Guǎngfǎ Tiānzūn) is a character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods (more commonly known as Fengshen Yanyi). This role originated from Manjusri, a Bodhisattva in Buddhism.
Guangfa Tianzun is the superiorman over Mount Five Dragons, Cloud Top Cave and the renowned teacher of Jinzha, the first son of Li Jing. In rank, Guangfa Tianzun is seemingly an elite superiorman -- even greater than that of Nezha's teacher Taiyi Zhenren.
After a fine duel had ensued between Muzha and Nezha and Li Jing attempted his first suicide, Guangfa Tianzun would appear. Once Guangfa Tianzun had ordered Li Jing to enter his cave for safety, he would personally settle things with the "spoiled brat" Nezha. Once Nezha's temper raged and he thrusted his spear continuously at Guangfa Tianzun, Guangfa Tianzun would side step and throw his legendary Seven Treasure Golden Lotus over Nezha's head. Nezha would lose consciousness quickly following this and would find himself tied to a large gold post while cuffed by golden rings. Soon enough, Guangfa Tianzun would order Jinzha, his student, to flog Nezha. Following the arrival of Nezha's teacher, Taiyi Zhenren, it would be revealed that the whole event between Li Jing and Nezha had been set by Taiyi Zhenren as a chance to teach Nezha some discipline. After Nezha greeted Guangfa Tianzun and his master - who was sitting to Guangfa Tianzun's right - Nezha would have a great level of inner resent.
Following the leave of Nezha and Li Jing upon Guangfa Tianzun's order, Guangfa Tianzun would not be seen again for quite some time.
References
Investiture of the Gods chapter 14 pages 167 - 169
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Mythology
Superiormen of Fengshen Yanyi | Fengshen Yanyi characters | Taoism | Chinese gods | Chinese mythology | Literary character stubs
Taiyi Zhenren (太乙真人)
Taiyi Zhenren (太乙真人)
Alternative Names (異名):
太乙真人, Taiyi Zhenren
Taiyi Zhenren (Chinese: 太乙真人; Pinyin: Tàiyǐ Zhēnrén) is a famous character in Chinese folk tales. According to the opening of the famous novel Fengshen Yanyi, he is the reincarnation of the first emperor of the Shang dynasty, Shang Tang.
In Fengshen Yanyi, Taiyi Zhenren is the renowned teacher of Nezha, the celestial being destined to bring peace back to the Zhou Dynasty. Taiyi Zhenren is stationed atop Mount Champion and instructed Nezha to stay at Old Pond Pass - the place he had been born. After Nezha experienced great trouble with Ao Guang and went fleeing back to him, Taiyi Zhenren would at first be seen in deep thought; Zhenren would soon draw an "invisible juju" along his back however -- as to give him a safe passage to heaven through invisibility. After Nezha created further issues with a woman by the name of Madam Rockie, Taiyi Zhenren would soon be seen face to face with her in front of Taiyi Zhenren's cave which Nezha retreated into for protection. After having no choice but to be rid of Madam Rockie, he would start off by disabling the silk scarf which she stole from Nezha, and then trap her within his Nine-dragon-fire-net. While trapped in this net, Taiyi Zhenren summoned several dragons which unleashed a large volley of fire into the net; instantly killing Madam Rockie and turning her back into her original form as a molten rock.
References
Fengshen Yanyi chapter 12
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Mythology
Superiormen of Fengshen Yanyi | Fengshen Yanyi characters | Taoism | Chinese gods | Chinese mythology | Chinese mythology stubs
Alternative Names (異名):
太乙真人, Taiyi Zhenren
Taiyi Zhenren (Chinese: 太乙真人; Pinyin: Tàiyǐ Zhēnrén) is a famous character in Chinese folk tales. According to the opening of the famous novel Fengshen Yanyi, he is the reincarnation of the first emperor of the Shang dynasty, Shang Tang.
In Fengshen Yanyi, Taiyi Zhenren is the renowned teacher of Nezha, the celestial being destined to bring peace back to the Zhou Dynasty. Taiyi Zhenren is stationed atop Mount Champion and instructed Nezha to stay at Old Pond Pass - the place he had been born. After Nezha experienced great trouble with Ao Guang and went fleeing back to him, Taiyi Zhenren would at first be seen in deep thought; Zhenren would soon draw an "invisible juju" along his back however -- as to give him a safe passage to heaven through invisibility. After Nezha created further issues with a woman by the name of Madam Rockie, Taiyi Zhenren would soon be seen face to face with her in front of Taiyi Zhenren's cave which Nezha retreated into for protection. After having no choice but to be rid of Madam Rockie, he would start off by disabling the silk scarf which she stole from Nezha, and then trap her within his Nine-dragon-fire-net. While trapped in this net, Taiyi Zhenren summoned several dragons which unleashed a large volley of fire into the net; instantly killing Madam Rockie and turning her back into her original form as a molten rock.
References
Fengshen Yanyi chapter 12
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Mythology
Superiormen of Fengshen Yanyi | Fengshen Yanyi characters | Taoism | Chinese gods | Chinese mythology | Chinese mythology stubs
Randeng Daoren (燃灯道人)
Randeng Daoren (燃灯道人)
Alternative Names (異名):
燃灯道人, Randeng Daoren
Randeng Daoren (Chinese: 燃灯道人; Pinyin: Rándēng Dàorén; literally meaning Burning Lamp Taoist) is a character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Fengshen Yanyi. He would be renowned as the Superiorman of Mount Condor, Intuition Cave. His role originated from Dipankara, a Buddha in Buddhism.
Following the incident with Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun and Taiyi Zhenren, Nezha would once again see an opportunity to strike down his father, Li Jing and end his great hatred. Soon enough, Randeng Daoren would see Li Jing and immediately tell him to hide behind him less he be killed. Once Nezha appeared directly before Randeng Daoren, Randeng Daoren would say the words, "I thought this problem had been resolved in the Cloud Top Cave. It is not good for you to rekindle your revenge again."
Soon enough, Randeng Daoren would thrust Li Jing forward to fight. Due to the fact that Randeng Daoren had already spat on Li Jing's back - which gave him magical powers - Li Jing was a match for Nezha at last. Nezha, who easily saw the trickery, stabbed his spear at Randeng Daoren; Randeng Daoren easily negated his spear by forming a large white lotus from his own mouth. Once Nezha attempted to attack Randeng Daoren once again, Randeng Daoren had no choice but to unleash a purple cloud from his sleeve -- a purple cloud that would trap Nezha within a large burning golden tower. Following this, Randeng Daoren could effectively control Nezha. However, he decided it best to give the teach the technique to Li Jing less Nezha rebels again. Thus, Randeng Daoren takes his leave after ensuring the Zhou Dynasty into the trust of Li Jing, who is now Li, the Pagoda Bearer.
Superiormen of Fengshen Yanyi | Fengshen Yanyi characters | Taoism | Chinese gods | Chinese mythology
Alternative Names (異名):
燃灯道人, Randeng Daoren
Randeng Daoren (Chinese: 燃灯道人; Pinyin: Rándēng Dàorén; literally meaning Burning Lamp Taoist) is a character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Fengshen Yanyi. He would be renowned as the Superiorman of Mount Condor, Intuition Cave. His role originated from Dipankara, a Buddha in Buddhism.
Following the incident with Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun and Taiyi Zhenren, Nezha would once again see an opportunity to strike down his father, Li Jing and end his great hatred. Soon enough, Randeng Daoren would see Li Jing and immediately tell him to hide behind him less he be killed. Once Nezha appeared directly before Randeng Daoren, Randeng Daoren would say the words, "I thought this problem had been resolved in the Cloud Top Cave. It is not good for you to rekindle your revenge again."
Soon enough, Randeng Daoren would thrust Li Jing forward to fight. Due to the fact that Randeng Daoren had already spat on Li Jing's back - which gave him magical powers - Li Jing was a match for Nezha at last. Nezha, who easily saw the trickery, stabbed his spear at Randeng Daoren; Randeng Daoren easily negated his spear by forming a large white lotus from his own mouth. Once Nezha attempted to attack Randeng Daoren once again, Randeng Daoren had no choice but to unleash a purple cloud from his sleeve -- a purple cloud that would trap Nezha within a large burning golden tower. Following this, Randeng Daoren could effectively control Nezha. However, he decided it best to give the teach the technique to Li Jing less Nezha rebels again. Thus, Randeng Daoren takes his leave after ensuring the Zhou Dynasty into the trust of Li Jing, who is now Li, the Pagoda Bearer.
Superiormen of Fengshen Yanyi | Fengshen Yanyi characters | Taoism | Chinese gods | Chinese mythology
Qingxu Daode Zhenjun (清虛道德真君)
Qingxu Daode Zhenjun (清虛道德真君)
Alternative Names (異名):
清虛道德真君, Qingxu Daode Zhenjun
Qingxu Daode Zhenju (Chinese: 清虛道德真君; Pinyin: Qīngxū Dàodé Zhēnjūn) a character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods.
Daode Zhenjun is the renowned superiorman of Mount Green Top, Purple Cave. At one point in time during the Yang Ren incident, Zhenjun would realize that Yang Ren's time is not yet over, and he thus needs to exist for a longer period of time. Due to this, Insouciant would unleash his Yellow Kerchiefed Genie to scoop up Yang Ren and effectively bring him to his mountain by creating a large dust storm. Next, Insouciant would place a set amount of magic on both of Yang Ren's eyes (because Yang Ren previously had his eyes removed as punishment by King Zhou of Shang). Following this, Zhenjun would blow on Yang Ren's face and tell him to awaken. Following this point, Zhenjun would have Yang Ren as his disciple for the remainder of his alloted time.
At one point in time when Huang Feihu had been completely surrounded by Wen Zhong's forces, Zhenjun would engulf Huang and his entourage in a sleep-inducing fog and would then move them outside the valley. As seen following this, Zhenjun has the ability to create clone forms of any individual at will (due to his magic gourd). Some time later when Huang had been struck in the arm by Chen Tong's magical dart, Zhenjun would summon his disciple, Huang Tianhua, and tell him to quickly save his father -- who is in difficulty. Before the leave of his disciple, Zhenjun would first hand Tianhua a flower basket, his Non-Evil Sword, and tell him to hurry back once his objective is completed
Superiormen of Fengshen Yanyi | Fengshen Yanyi characters | Taoism | Chinese gods | Chinese mythology
Alternative Names (異名):
清虛道德真君, Qingxu Daode Zhenjun
Qingxu Daode Zhenju (Chinese: 清虛道德真君; Pinyin: Qīngxū Dàodé Zhēnjūn) a character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods.
Daode Zhenjun is the renowned superiorman of Mount Green Top, Purple Cave. At one point in time during the Yang Ren incident, Zhenjun would realize that Yang Ren's time is not yet over, and he thus needs to exist for a longer period of time. Due to this, Insouciant would unleash his Yellow Kerchiefed Genie to scoop up Yang Ren and effectively bring him to his mountain by creating a large dust storm. Next, Insouciant would place a set amount of magic on both of Yang Ren's eyes (because Yang Ren previously had his eyes removed as punishment by King Zhou of Shang). Following this, Zhenjun would blow on Yang Ren's face and tell him to awaken. Following this point, Zhenjun would have Yang Ren as his disciple for the remainder of his alloted time.
At one point in time when Huang Feihu had been completely surrounded by Wen Zhong's forces, Zhenjun would engulf Huang and his entourage in a sleep-inducing fog and would then move them outside the valley. As seen following this, Zhenjun has the ability to create clone forms of any individual at will (due to his magic gourd). Some time later when Huang had been struck in the arm by Chen Tong's magical dart, Zhenjun would summon his disciple, Huang Tianhua, and tell him to quickly save his father -- who is in difficulty. Before the leave of his disciple, Zhenjun would first hand Tianhua a flower basket, his Non-Evil Sword, and tell him to hurry back once his objective is completed
Superiormen of Fengshen Yanyi | Fengshen Yanyi characters | Taoism | Chinese gods | Chinese mythology
Pipa Jing (琵琶精)
Pipa Jing (琵琶精)
Alternative Names (異名):
琵琶精, Pipa Jing
Pipa Jing (Chinese: 琵琶精; Pinyin: Pípa Jīng), a yaojing changed from jade pipa, is a character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Fengshen Yanyi.
Fat-Belly Guitar Pipa Jing is one of three renowned female specters under the legendary Nu Wa. After Pipa Jing - as like both Daji and Splendor - was ordered by Nu Wa to bring chaos to the Shang Dynasty, Pipa Jing would not be shown until the time of chapter 16. At one point in time when Pipa Jing had returned from a visit with her friend, Daji, she happened to find Jiang Ziya with a large crowd of people around the fortune telling studio. Thus, Pipa Jing would turn herslelf into a very attractive young woman and approach Jiang for a fortune.
Unfortunately for Pipa Jing however, Jiang could see that she was truly an evil specter in disguise; the palm reading still continued however. Once Jiang became more forceful and would not let go of Pipa Jing's palm, she began to scream and ask for help with the people around her. Due to this, Jiang had no choice but to smack her over the head with an ink stone -- which would kill her mortal body. Following this point, Jiang would never let go of Pipa Jing's palm so that the true specter could not escape. Soon enough, Pipa Jing was set around a large amount of firewood and set aflame after varied juju's were set as to prevent her true self from escaping. Once everyone realized that even her hair never burned or even got caught on fire, Pipa Jing would end up being burned to death once Jiang unleashed a triple divine fire combined with shattering lightning. Five years following her death, Pipa Jing would finally be revived once again after Daji gathered the essence of both the moon and the sun.
Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipa_Jing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
Fengshen Yanyi characters | Chinese mythology | Demons | Literary character stubs
Alternative Names (異名):
琵琶精, Pipa Jing
Pipa Jing (Chinese: 琵琶精; Pinyin: Pípa Jīng), a yaojing changed from jade pipa, is a character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Fengshen Yanyi.
Fat-Belly Guitar Pipa Jing is one of three renowned female specters under the legendary Nu Wa. After Pipa Jing - as like both Daji and Splendor - was ordered by Nu Wa to bring chaos to the Shang Dynasty, Pipa Jing would not be shown until the time of chapter 16. At one point in time when Pipa Jing had returned from a visit with her friend, Daji, she happened to find Jiang Ziya with a large crowd of people around the fortune telling studio. Thus, Pipa Jing would turn herslelf into a very attractive young woman and approach Jiang for a fortune.
Unfortunately for Pipa Jing however, Jiang could see that she was truly an evil specter in disguise; the palm reading still continued however. Once Jiang became more forceful and would not let go of Pipa Jing's palm, she began to scream and ask for help with the people around her. Due to this, Jiang had no choice but to smack her over the head with an ink stone -- which would kill her mortal body. Following this point, Jiang would never let go of Pipa Jing's palm so that the true specter could not escape. Soon enough, Pipa Jing was set around a large amount of firewood and set aflame after varied juju's were set as to prevent her true self from escaping. Once everyone realized that even her hair never burned or even got caught on fire, Pipa Jing would end up being burned to death once Jiang unleashed a triple divine fire combined with shattering lightning. Five years following her death, Pipa Jing would finally be revived once again after Daji gathered the essence of both the moon and the sun.
Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipa_Jing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
Fengshen Yanyi characters | Chinese mythology | Demons | Literary character stubs
Li Jing (李靖)
Li Jing (李靖)
Alternative Names (異名):
李靖, Lǐ Jìng, Li Jing
Li Jing (Chinese: 李靖; Pinyin: Lǐ Jìng) a character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods (more commonly known as Fengshen Yanyi).
Li Jing is renowned throughout the Shang Dynasty as a high ranking commander officer of the Old Pond Pass. His wife is Lady Yin, and he has three sons, Jinzha, Muzha, and Nezha. Throughout his past, Li Jing had studied under Superiorman Danger Skipper of Mount Kunlun, and had soon become a master of exceedingly fast underground travel (even to the extent of traveling thousands of miles without a single individual noticing). Thus, Li Jing gave a new name to the art of speed after being forced down to the Red Dust.
In time, Li Jing would have a third son by the name of Nezha, as destined by the heavens. However, Nezha would cause untold chaos and trouble in the future, such as that with the Eastern Sea Dragon King Ao Guang and Madam Rockie. Due to Nezha, Li Jing would almost need to give up his own life to Ao Guang if it weren't for the sacrifice of Nezha's body. Following the bitter luck attained with his third son, Li Jing would even burn the primary sacrificial temple that had been built as a container for Nezha's spirit following his death. However, such an action would only lead for Nezha to vow to kill his father. Following Nezha's return thanks to his master, Taiyi Zhenren, various servants would scutter to Li Jing's inner quarters and announce Nezha's return. After heading out and realizing that his third son indeed was standing before him, he would utter the words, "You vermin! When you were my child, you caused untold calamities. Why do you reincarnate and disturb the peace?" Thus, a major conflict between Li Jing and Nezha was about to unfold.
After battling off against the celestial being Nezha, he soon realized that his mortal body did not match 1 to 100 compared to that of Nezha's. Thus, Li Jing would run as fast as he could underground in a state of incredible fear for his life. In luck, Li Jing happened to run into his second son, Muzha. Following Muzha's defeat by Nezha's hands, Li Jing would try to commit suicide with his knife blade. Quickly appearing, Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun would rescue Li Jing's life and contain Nezha. In time, Nezha would be forced to submit fake harmony with his father after being restrained by another superiorman by the name of Randeng Daoren. To effectively constrain his son, Randeng Daoren would teach Li Jing how to use the golden tower art as to trap Nezha within a burning tower if opposed. Thus, following this point, Nezha would be forced to submit to Li Jing, or now better known as Li the Pagoda Bearer.
Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
Fengshen Yanyi characters | Chinese gods | Taoism | Chinese mythology
Alternative Names (異名):
李靖, Lǐ Jìng, Li Jing
Li Jing (Chinese: 李靖; Pinyin: Lǐ Jìng) a character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods (more commonly known as Fengshen Yanyi).
Li Jing is renowned throughout the Shang Dynasty as a high ranking commander officer of the Old Pond Pass. His wife is Lady Yin, and he has three sons, Jinzha, Muzha, and Nezha. Throughout his past, Li Jing had studied under Superiorman Danger Skipper of Mount Kunlun, and had soon become a master of exceedingly fast underground travel (even to the extent of traveling thousands of miles without a single individual noticing). Thus, Li Jing gave a new name to the art of speed after being forced down to the Red Dust.
In time, Li Jing would have a third son by the name of Nezha, as destined by the heavens. However, Nezha would cause untold chaos and trouble in the future, such as that with the Eastern Sea Dragon King Ao Guang and Madam Rockie. Due to Nezha, Li Jing would almost need to give up his own life to Ao Guang if it weren't for the sacrifice of Nezha's body. Following the bitter luck attained with his third son, Li Jing would even burn the primary sacrificial temple that had been built as a container for Nezha's spirit following his death. However, such an action would only lead for Nezha to vow to kill his father. Following Nezha's return thanks to his master, Taiyi Zhenren, various servants would scutter to Li Jing's inner quarters and announce Nezha's return. After heading out and realizing that his third son indeed was standing before him, he would utter the words, "You vermin! When you were my child, you caused untold calamities. Why do you reincarnate and disturb the peace?" Thus, a major conflict between Li Jing and Nezha was about to unfold.
After battling off against the celestial being Nezha, he soon realized that his mortal body did not match 1 to 100 compared to that of Nezha's. Thus, Li Jing would run as fast as he could underground in a state of incredible fear for his life. In luck, Li Jing happened to run into his second son, Muzha. Following Muzha's defeat by Nezha's hands, Li Jing would try to commit suicide with his knife blade. Quickly appearing, Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun would rescue Li Jing's life and contain Nezha. In time, Nezha would be forced to submit fake harmony with his father after being restrained by another superiorman by the name of Randeng Daoren. To effectively constrain his son, Randeng Daoren would teach Li Jing how to use the golden tower art as to trap Nezha within a burning tower if opposed. Thus, following this point, Nezha would be forced to submit to Li Jing, or now better known as Li the Pagoda Bearer.
Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
Fengshen Yanyi characters | Chinese gods | Taoism | Chinese mythology
Leizhenzi (雷震子)
Leizhenzi (雷震子)
Alternative Names (異名):
雷震子, Léizhènzǐ, Leizhenzi
Leizhenzi (Chinese: 雷震子; Pinyin: Léizhènzǐ) a character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods (more commonly known as Fengshen Yanyi).
Leizhenzi is a celestial being that had been created by a certain great thunderstorm at Mount Swallow. Ji Chang had been the one to first receive the small new born, and thus the baby would become known as the third son of Ji Chang. However, Yunzhongzi would take the new born in as his own disciple, for he was destined to assist in the creation of the new Zhou Dynasty.
Seven years later, at a time in which Ji Chang was seen fleeing for his life from the capital after finally being freed, Leizhenzi, now seven, would be sitting with his mastr, Yunzhongzi atop Mount South End. Once Leizhenzi was told to assist his father, but first grab ahold of his weapon - which was by the cliff's edge - Leizhenzi would look everywhere in wonder. Soon enough, Leizhenzi would find two large apricots at the edge of the cliff, and eat them both with due haste. Immediately following this point, two large wings would suddenly sprout from Leizhenzi's back, and his face became like that of a monsters'.
Once Leizhenzi returned to his father, he would receive a golden rod as his weapon and would be instructed to finally assist his father. Thus, once Leizhenzi met his father atop a mountain slope, he would first deal with General Lei and Yin by creating a rock slide with his golden rod. While hanging on to Leizhenzi's back, Leizhenzi would then transport his father through the five mountain passes. With these words, Leizhenzi would depart from his father: "My father, you are now safe. Now I must say good-bye and return to Mount South End. Please take care of yourself. I will see you again someday."
Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leizhenzi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
Fengshen Yanyi characters | Taoism | Chinese gods | Chinese mythology
Alternative Names (異名):
雷震子, Léizhènzǐ, Leizhenzi
Leizhenzi (Chinese: 雷震子; Pinyin: Léizhènzǐ) a character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods (more commonly known as Fengshen Yanyi).
Leizhenzi is a celestial being that had been created by a certain great thunderstorm at Mount Swallow. Ji Chang had been the one to first receive the small new born, and thus the baby would become known as the third son of Ji Chang. However, Yunzhongzi would take the new born in as his own disciple, for he was destined to assist in the creation of the new Zhou Dynasty.
Seven years later, at a time in which Ji Chang was seen fleeing for his life from the capital after finally being freed, Leizhenzi, now seven, would be sitting with his mastr, Yunzhongzi atop Mount South End. Once Leizhenzi was told to assist his father, but first grab ahold of his weapon - which was by the cliff's edge - Leizhenzi would look everywhere in wonder. Soon enough, Leizhenzi would find two large apricots at the edge of the cliff, and eat them both with due haste. Immediately following this point, two large wings would suddenly sprout from Leizhenzi's back, and his face became like that of a monsters'.
Once Leizhenzi returned to his father, he would receive a golden rod as his weapon and would be instructed to finally assist his father. Thus, once Leizhenzi met his father atop a mountain slope, he would first deal with General Lei and Yin by creating a rock slide with his golden rod. While hanging on to Leizhenzi's back, Leizhenzi would then transport his father through the five mountain passes. With these words, Leizhenzi would depart from his father: "My father, you are now safe. Now I must say good-bye and return to Mount South End. Please take care of yourself. I will see you again someday."
Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leizhenzi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
Fengshen Yanyi characters | Taoism | Chinese gods | Chinese mythology
Jiutou Zhiji Jing (九头雉鸡精)
Jiutou Zhiji Jing (九头雉鸡精)
Alternative Names (異名):
九头雉鸡精, Jiǔtóu Zhìjī Jīng, Jiutou Zhiji Jing
Jiutou Zhiji Jing (Chinese: 九头雉鸡精; Pinyin: Jiǔtóu Zhìjī Jīng) is a yaojing changed from a pheasant with nine heads. She is a character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods.
As like both Pipa Jing and Daji, Zhiji Jing is one of three specters under Nu Wa. In appearance, Zhiji Jing wore a large red robe, a silk sash around her slim waist, and small red linen shoes. She also possessed beautiful eyes like that of an autumn lake. Once Daji headed to the tomb of the Yellow Emperor to retrieve Zhiji Jing - along with her other fox cohorts - Zhiji Jing would be shown for the first time.
Daji had the intent to bring her friends to a banquet disquised as heavenly maidens as to trick the king. Once the true forms of Zhiji Jing and her allies were revealed to Vice Prime Minister Bi Gan, and each specter returned to their original layer, Huang Feihu would set out and turn their home into flames; a resolution that killed every specter except Splendor herself. Following this event, Daji would return to the tomb of the Yellow Emperor and find her sister, Zhiji Jing, the only survivor. However, she would head back to Zhaoge with Daji disguised as an even more beautiful woman. While disguised as a woman, Zhiji Jing would play along with her sister's scheme by spending some personal time with King Zhou. In short time, Zhiji Jing would decide to stay with the king at Zhaoge instead of living in the mountains as previously
Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiutou_Zhiji_Jing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
Fengshen Yanyi characters | Chinese mythology
Alternative Names (異名):
九头雉鸡精, Jiǔtóu Zhìjī Jīng, Jiutou Zhiji Jing
Jiutou Zhiji Jing (Chinese: 九头雉鸡精; Pinyin: Jiǔtóu Zhìjī Jīng) is a yaojing changed from a pheasant with nine heads. She is a character featured within the famed ancient Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods.
As like both Pipa Jing and Daji, Zhiji Jing is one of three specters under Nu Wa. In appearance, Zhiji Jing wore a large red robe, a silk sash around her slim waist, and small red linen shoes. She also possessed beautiful eyes like that of an autumn lake. Once Daji headed to the tomb of the Yellow Emperor to retrieve Zhiji Jing - along with her other fox cohorts - Zhiji Jing would be shown for the first time.
Daji had the intent to bring her friends to a banquet disquised as heavenly maidens as to trick the king. Once the true forms of Zhiji Jing and her allies were revealed to Vice Prime Minister Bi Gan, and each specter returned to their original layer, Huang Feihu would set out and turn their home into flames; a resolution that killed every specter except Splendor herself. Following this event, Daji would return to the tomb of the Yellow Emperor and find her sister, Zhiji Jing, the only survivor. However, she would head back to Zhaoge with Daji disguised as an even more beautiful woman. While disguised as a woman, Zhiji Jing would play along with her sister's scheme by spending some personal time with King Zhou. In short time, Zhiji Jing would decide to stay with the king at Zhaoge instead of living in the mountains as previously
Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiutou_Zhiji_Jing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
Fengshen Yanyi characters | Chinese mythology
Jiang Ziya (姜子牙, Chinese)
Jiang Ziya (姜子牙)
Alternative Names (異名):
姜尙(本名), 姜太公, 呂尙, 太公望, 姜子牙, Jiāng Zǐyá,Jiang Ziya
Ancestral name (姓): Jiang (姜, Jīang)
Clan name (氏): Lü (呂, Lǚ)
Given name (名): Shang (尚, Shàng) or Wang (望, Wàng)
Courtesy name (字): Ziya (子牙, Zǐyá)
Posthumous name (謚): Elder Duke (太公, Tàigōng)
Jiang Ziya (Chinese: 姜子牙, Pinyin: Jiāng Zǐyá) (dates of birth and death unknown), a Chinese semi-mythological figure, resided next to the Weishui River about 3,000 years ago. The region was the feudal estate of King Wen of Zhou. Jiang Ziya knew King Wen was very ambitious so he hoped to get his attention.
He often went angling at the Weishui River, but he would fish in a bizarre way. He hung a straight hook, with no bait, three feet above the water. He over and over again said to himself, "Fish, if you are desperate to live, come and gulp down the hook by yourself."
In a little while his outlandish way of fishing was reported to King Wen, who sent a soldier to bring him back. Jiang noticed the soldier coming, but did not care about him. Jiang just continued with his fishing, and was soliloquising, "Fishing, fishing, no fish has been hooked—but shrimp is up to tomfoolery." The soldier reported this back to King Wen, who became more interested in Jiang.
King Wen sent a bureaucrat to invite Jiang this time. But Jiang again paid no attention to the invitation. He simply carried on fishing, saying, "Fishing, fishing, the big fish has not been hooked—but a small one is up to mischief."
Then King Wen realized Jiang might be a great genius so he went to invite Jiang personally, and brought many magnificent gifts with him. Jiang saw the king's earnest desire so Jiang decided to work for him.
Jiang aided King Wen and his son in their overthrow of the Shang Dynasty; they established the Zhou Dynasty in its stead. Jiang was given the title (hao) of Taigong so people called him Jiang Taigong. His treatise on military strategy, Six Secret Teachings, is considered one of the Seven Military Classics of Ancient China.
Jiang Ziya's seventh generation descendant (his great-grandson's great-grandson's son) was Jiang Chi (姜赤). Jiang Chi had a great-grandson named Shi (傒), who was given a piece of land in Shandong province called "Lu" (盧). He took his surname from the land. All Chinese with the last name Lu (盧) can trace their ancestry back to Jiang Ziya
In popular culture
He is a prominent character in the popular Chinese classic novel Creation of the Gods (封神演義).
There are two xiehouyu about him:
Grand Duke Jiang fishes - those who are willing jump at the bait (姜太公釣魚──願者上鉤), which means "put one's own head in the noose".
Grand Duke Jiang investiture the gods - omitting himself (姜太公封神──漏咗自己), which means "leave out oneself".
In the scenario "Chinese Unification" of the Civilization IV: Warlords expansion pack, Jiang Ziya is the leader of the State of Qi.
The protagonist of Hoshin Engi is based on Jiang Ziya
See also
Chinese mythology
King Wu of Zhou
Zhou Dynasty
Shang Dynasty
Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiang_Ziya
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
Chinese chancellors | Chinese generals | Chinese mythology | Chinese centenarians | Zhou Dynasty | Fengshen Yanyi characters
Alternative Names (異名):
姜尙(本名), 姜太公, 呂尙, 太公望, 姜子牙, Jiāng Zǐyá,Jiang Ziya
Ancestral name (姓): Jiang (姜, Jīang)
Clan name (氏): Lü (呂, Lǚ)
Given name (名): Shang (尚, Shàng) or Wang (望, Wàng)
Courtesy name (字): Ziya (子牙, Zǐyá)
Posthumous name (謚): Elder Duke (太公, Tàigōng)
Jiang Ziya (Chinese: 姜子牙, Pinyin: Jiāng Zǐyá) (dates of birth and death unknown), a Chinese semi-mythological figure, resided next to the Weishui River about 3,000 years ago. The region was the feudal estate of King Wen of Zhou. Jiang Ziya knew King Wen was very ambitious so he hoped to get his attention.
He often went angling at the Weishui River, but he would fish in a bizarre way. He hung a straight hook, with no bait, three feet above the water. He over and over again said to himself, "Fish, if you are desperate to live, come and gulp down the hook by yourself."
In a little while his outlandish way of fishing was reported to King Wen, who sent a soldier to bring him back. Jiang noticed the soldier coming, but did not care about him. Jiang just continued with his fishing, and was soliloquising, "Fishing, fishing, no fish has been hooked—but shrimp is up to tomfoolery." The soldier reported this back to King Wen, who became more interested in Jiang.
King Wen sent a bureaucrat to invite Jiang this time. But Jiang again paid no attention to the invitation. He simply carried on fishing, saying, "Fishing, fishing, the big fish has not been hooked—but a small one is up to mischief."
Then King Wen realized Jiang might be a great genius so he went to invite Jiang personally, and brought many magnificent gifts with him. Jiang saw the king's earnest desire so Jiang decided to work for him.
Jiang aided King Wen and his son in their overthrow of the Shang Dynasty; they established the Zhou Dynasty in its stead. Jiang was given the title (hao) of Taigong so people called him Jiang Taigong. His treatise on military strategy, Six Secret Teachings, is considered one of the Seven Military Classics of Ancient China.
Jiang Ziya's seventh generation descendant (his great-grandson's great-grandson's son) was Jiang Chi (姜赤). Jiang Chi had a great-grandson named Shi (傒), who was given a piece of land in Shandong province called "Lu" (盧). He took his surname from the land. All Chinese with the last name Lu (盧) can trace their ancestry back to Jiang Ziya
In popular culture
He is a prominent character in the popular Chinese classic novel Creation of the Gods (封神演義).
There are two xiehouyu about him:
Grand Duke Jiang fishes - those who are willing jump at the bait (姜太公釣魚──願者上鉤), which means "put one's own head in the noose".
Grand Duke Jiang investiture the gods - omitting himself (姜太公封神──漏咗自己), which means "leave out oneself".
In the scenario "Chinese Unification" of the Civilization IV: Warlords expansion pack, Jiang Ziya is the leader of the State of Qi.
The protagonist of Hoshin Engi is based on Jiang Ziya
See also
Chinese mythology
King Wu of Zhou
Zhou Dynasty
Shang Dynasty
Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiang_Ziya
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
Chinese chancellors | Chinese generals | Chinese mythology | Chinese centenarians | Zhou Dynasty | Fengshen Yanyi characters
Fengshen Yanyi (封神演義)
Fengshen Yanyi (封神演義)
Alternative Names (異名):
封神演義, 封神演义, fēngshén yǎnyì, Fengshen Yanyi, The Investiture of the Gods, The Creation of the Gods
Fengshen Yanyi (traditional Chinese: 封神演義; simplified Chinese: 封神演义; pinyin: fēngshén yǎnyì) (translated as The Investiture of the Gods or The Creation of the Gods), also known as Fengshen Bang (Chinese: 封神榜), is one of the major Vernacular Chinese novels written in the Ming Dynasty. The story deals with the decline of the Shang Dynasty and rise of the Zhou Dynasty, intertwining numerous elements of Chinese mythology, including gods and goddesses, Chinese immortals, and spirits. It is, to an extent, representative and descriptive of life in China at the time, where religion played a major role in everyday life. The authorship of Fengshen Yanyi is attributed to Xu Zhonglin (許仲琳; 许仲琳) (d. 1566) or Lu Xixing (陸西星; 陆西星) (d. 1601).
Plot summary
This epic novel (Yanyi refers to the Chinese equivalent of the Western epic) is a fantastic retelling of the overthrow of unscrupulous and merciless ruler Di Xin (also known as Zhòu) of the Shang dynasty by King Wu of Zhou. The story integrates oral and written tales of the many Daoist heroes and immortals, and various spirits (usually represented in avatar form as foxes, chickens, and sometimes even inanimate objects like Jade Pipa) that take part in the struggle. Enchanted by his concubine Daji, who is actually a fox spirit in disguise, Di Xin murders loyal ministers with draconian punishments like incineration on a red-hot pillar of brass or being fed to a pit of snakes. He even attempts to kill his own sons. After the fall of the Shang Dynasty and exorcism of Daji by Jiang Ziya, King Wu of Zhou builds his own dynasty, creating the Zhou feudal system. The slain heroes, even those on the "enemy" side, are endowed with heavenly ranking, being essentially elevated to the position of gods, hence the title.
Some famous anecdotes
In Fengshen Yanyi, there are many stories (altogether 100 stories) in which many gods, goddesses and immortals came to the Earth and changed the fate of everything with their magical power. Here are some famous ones:
Some famous anecdotes
When Di Xin came to a temple of Nüwa, an ancient Chinese goddess, and perform his worship, he noticed that the Nüwa statue was very tempting. Then the lewd emperor cried indecent words like “it would be good if I could marry Her” before the statue, and wrote lustful poems on the walls to show his immense adoration likewise. Nüwa got furious with the insult. Foretelling that Di Xin would be the last emperor of the Shang Dynasty, she sent a one-thousand-year-old fox spirit, a nine-headed pheasant, and a jade-made Pipa spirit to lure Di Xin and render him unaware of his people, which indirectly resulted in the uprising of Zhou and made the decline of Shang more reasonable.
Daji was a kind-hearted beauty originally, and was ordered to enter the palace to be Di Xin’s concubine. The wicked fox spirit murdered Daji on the way to the palace, embodying the exact same appearance of the killed girl and attending the palace’s invitation.
Daji and Bo Yi Kao
Di Xin obliged King Wen of Zhou to stay in You (that is, today’s Henan) for almost seven years, during which King Wen of Zhou’s eldest son, Bo Yi Kao, came to the capital of Shang, Zhaoge (today’s Hebi, Henan) and ask for Di Xin’s mercy. The fox spirit fell in love with the handsome young man, and requested Di Xin to permit Bo to teach her play guqin. Taking advantage of the guqin lessons, Daji ensnared Bo with her splendour. Bo, however, refused Daji for any liaisons, and called her a shameless woman. The irate Daji made a complaint to her husband that Bo had bullied her. Gnashing his teeth, Di Xin killed Bo and minced him into paste, cooked into congee and served to King Wen of Zhou. King Wen of Zhou knew divination, and, by means of the Eight Diagrams, he realised the congee was made from his beloved son. Suppressing the great pain and sadness in his heart, King Wen of Zhou ate up the congee and determined to avenge his dead son.
King Wen of Zhou and Jiang Ziya
Jiang Ziya (or Jiang Taigong, also known as Lu Shang) was an apprentice of an immortal living deep inside an unvisited mountain, and he left his master at the age of 72. He loved fishing, but, strangely enough, he only used a straight fishhook, without bait, three feet above the water, for angling. His neighbours felt odd at his strange fishing skills, and, out of curiosity, asked the old man for the reason of it. “What I’m angling is not a single fish,” smiled Jiang, “but the emperor and the great many vassals. Only those who really wish to be fished would be finally fished by me.” Jiang meant he was waiting for a man who could recognise and need his talent.
Some people told King Wen of Zhou about the weird old man, and the aggressive vassal had a looming interest in Jiang Ziya. One day, King Wen of Zhou paid a visit to Jiang. Jiang did nothing but demanded King Wen of Zhou to help him pull his cart. King Wen of Zhou did so and stopped pulling after he moved eight hundred steps forwards. Jiang told the vassal that his future kingdom (that is, the Zhou Dynasty) should exist for eight hundred years. King Wen of Zhou wished to pull the cart for more few steps, but he was too exhausted to move forwards. Jiang became the prime minister of Zhou afterward. King Wen was succeeded by King Wu.
Bi Gan lost his heart
From the prophecy revealed by the oracle bones, Jiang Ziya predicted that Di Xin’s loyal and benevolent courtier, Bi Gan would die soon, thereby giving a charm to Bi. Before long, Daji, the evil vixen told her husband that she had a heart attack and only a “delicate seven-aperture heart” (Qiqiao Linglong Xin) could relieve her agony. No-one in the palace had that kind of heart — except Bi, who was given a heart by the goddess Nüwa, when he drowned once during his childhood. Bi, loyal as he is, swallowed the charm given by Jiang, grabbed his heart and pulled it out of his body to be given to Di Xin. Bi did not lose his life, nor shed a single drop of blood. Instead, he walked out of the palace and did what Jiang instructed: go straight home immediately without looking back. If he succeeded in doing this, he would recover after one day.
Yet upon the last few steps on reaching home, a female huckster yelled from behind Bi, “Hey! Cheap cabbages without stems (xin)!” (i.e., Baoxin Cai, literally a vegetable with a stem covered inside; xin, heart, rhetorically refers to the stem in this case).
Bi, curious and unsuspicious, turned back and asked the huckster, “How can there be cabbages without stems? ” The old lady donned an evil grin and replied, “You’re right, sir. Cabbages cannot live without stems as men cannot live without hearts (xin).” Bi shouted in his loud voice, fell to the ground and died without knowing that the lady hawker was a disguise made by the jade-made Pipa spirit. Thus, Jiang who was able to foretell Bi’s death, could not prevent the tragedy from happening.
In modern culture
The novel has maintained a strong presence in modern Chinese culture. It has also been the adapted into Japanese popular culture, though almost always in heavily modified form, sometimes leaving almost no trace of the original. It has been the subject of numerous television series and video games, including several recently translated for the Western Market, such as Battle Houshin (houshin is the Japanese reading of Fengshen) and Fengshen Yanyi: Legends of Gods and Heroes. It has also been substantially adapted for the manga Hoshin Engi. The most marked and lasting effect, though, is the use of the name - as Fengshen Bang - as a term in modern Chinese meaning "hit list" (as in a top 10 list or similar, such as music charts). Fengshen Bang (封神榜) is also the name of a modern Chinese TV series based on the Fengshen Yanyi, starring Fan Bingbing as Daji, Ma Jingtao as King Zhou of Shang
See also
Chinese mythology
Religion in China
Zhou Dynasty
Shang Dynasty
Welkin Lords
Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fengshen_Yanyi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
Fengshen Yanyi | Chinese novels | Taoism | Chinese classic novels
Alternative Names (異名):
封神演義, 封神演义, fēngshén yǎnyì, Fengshen Yanyi, The Investiture of the Gods, The Creation of the Gods
Fengshen Yanyi (traditional Chinese: 封神演義; simplified Chinese: 封神演义; pinyin: fēngshén yǎnyì) (translated as The Investiture of the Gods or The Creation of the Gods), also known as Fengshen Bang (Chinese: 封神榜), is one of the major Vernacular Chinese novels written in the Ming Dynasty. The story deals with the decline of the Shang Dynasty and rise of the Zhou Dynasty, intertwining numerous elements of Chinese mythology, including gods and goddesses, Chinese immortals, and spirits. It is, to an extent, representative and descriptive of life in China at the time, where religion played a major role in everyday life. The authorship of Fengshen Yanyi is attributed to Xu Zhonglin (許仲琳; 许仲琳) (d. 1566) or Lu Xixing (陸西星; 陆西星) (d. 1601).
Plot summary
This epic novel (Yanyi refers to the Chinese equivalent of the Western epic) is a fantastic retelling of the overthrow of unscrupulous and merciless ruler Di Xin (also known as Zhòu) of the Shang dynasty by King Wu of Zhou. The story integrates oral and written tales of the many Daoist heroes and immortals, and various spirits (usually represented in avatar form as foxes, chickens, and sometimes even inanimate objects like Jade Pipa) that take part in the struggle. Enchanted by his concubine Daji, who is actually a fox spirit in disguise, Di Xin murders loyal ministers with draconian punishments like incineration on a red-hot pillar of brass or being fed to a pit of snakes. He even attempts to kill his own sons. After the fall of the Shang Dynasty and exorcism of Daji by Jiang Ziya, King Wu of Zhou builds his own dynasty, creating the Zhou feudal system. The slain heroes, even those on the "enemy" side, are endowed with heavenly ranking, being essentially elevated to the position of gods, hence the title.
Some famous anecdotes
In Fengshen Yanyi, there are many stories (altogether 100 stories) in which many gods, goddesses and immortals came to the Earth and changed the fate of everything with their magical power. Here are some famous ones:
Some famous anecdotes
When Di Xin came to a temple of Nüwa, an ancient Chinese goddess, and perform his worship, he noticed that the Nüwa statue was very tempting. Then the lewd emperor cried indecent words like “it would be good if I could marry Her” before the statue, and wrote lustful poems on the walls to show his immense adoration likewise. Nüwa got furious with the insult. Foretelling that Di Xin would be the last emperor of the Shang Dynasty, she sent a one-thousand-year-old fox spirit, a nine-headed pheasant, and a jade-made Pipa spirit to lure Di Xin and render him unaware of his people, which indirectly resulted in the uprising of Zhou and made the decline of Shang more reasonable.
Daji was a kind-hearted beauty originally, and was ordered to enter the palace to be Di Xin’s concubine. The wicked fox spirit murdered Daji on the way to the palace, embodying the exact same appearance of the killed girl and attending the palace’s invitation.
Daji and Bo Yi Kao
Di Xin obliged King Wen of Zhou to stay in You (that is, today’s Henan) for almost seven years, during which King Wen of Zhou’s eldest son, Bo Yi Kao, came to the capital of Shang, Zhaoge (today’s Hebi, Henan) and ask for Di Xin’s mercy. The fox spirit fell in love with the handsome young man, and requested Di Xin to permit Bo to teach her play guqin. Taking advantage of the guqin lessons, Daji ensnared Bo with her splendour. Bo, however, refused Daji for any liaisons, and called her a shameless woman. The irate Daji made a complaint to her husband that Bo had bullied her. Gnashing his teeth, Di Xin killed Bo and minced him into paste, cooked into congee and served to King Wen of Zhou. King Wen of Zhou knew divination, and, by means of the Eight Diagrams, he realised the congee was made from his beloved son. Suppressing the great pain and sadness in his heart, King Wen of Zhou ate up the congee and determined to avenge his dead son.
King Wen of Zhou and Jiang Ziya
Jiang Ziya (or Jiang Taigong, also known as Lu Shang) was an apprentice of an immortal living deep inside an unvisited mountain, and he left his master at the age of 72. He loved fishing, but, strangely enough, he only used a straight fishhook, without bait, three feet above the water, for angling. His neighbours felt odd at his strange fishing skills, and, out of curiosity, asked the old man for the reason of it. “What I’m angling is not a single fish,” smiled Jiang, “but the emperor and the great many vassals. Only those who really wish to be fished would be finally fished by me.” Jiang meant he was waiting for a man who could recognise and need his talent.
Some people told King Wen of Zhou about the weird old man, and the aggressive vassal had a looming interest in Jiang Ziya. One day, King Wen of Zhou paid a visit to Jiang. Jiang did nothing but demanded King Wen of Zhou to help him pull his cart. King Wen of Zhou did so and stopped pulling after he moved eight hundred steps forwards. Jiang told the vassal that his future kingdom (that is, the Zhou Dynasty) should exist for eight hundred years. King Wen of Zhou wished to pull the cart for more few steps, but he was too exhausted to move forwards. Jiang became the prime minister of Zhou afterward. King Wen was succeeded by King Wu.
Bi Gan lost his heart
From the prophecy revealed by the oracle bones, Jiang Ziya predicted that Di Xin’s loyal and benevolent courtier, Bi Gan would die soon, thereby giving a charm to Bi. Before long, Daji, the evil vixen told her husband that she had a heart attack and only a “delicate seven-aperture heart” (Qiqiao Linglong Xin) could relieve her agony. No-one in the palace had that kind of heart — except Bi, who was given a heart by the goddess Nüwa, when he drowned once during his childhood. Bi, loyal as he is, swallowed the charm given by Jiang, grabbed his heart and pulled it out of his body to be given to Di Xin. Bi did not lose his life, nor shed a single drop of blood. Instead, he walked out of the palace and did what Jiang instructed: go straight home immediately without looking back. If he succeeded in doing this, he would recover after one day.
Yet upon the last few steps on reaching home, a female huckster yelled from behind Bi, “Hey! Cheap cabbages without stems (xin)!” (i.e., Baoxin Cai, literally a vegetable with a stem covered inside; xin, heart, rhetorically refers to the stem in this case).
Bi, curious and unsuspicious, turned back and asked the huckster, “How can there be cabbages without stems? ” The old lady donned an evil grin and replied, “You’re right, sir. Cabbages cannot live without stems as men cannot live without hearts (xin).” Bi shouted in his loud voice, fell to the ground and died without knowing that the lady hawker was a disguise made by the jade-made Pipa spirit. Thus, Jiang who was able to foretell Bi’s death, could not prevent the tragedy from happening.
In modern culture
The novel has maintained a strong presence in modern Chinese culture. It has also been the adapted into Japanese popular culture, though almost always in heavily modified form, sometimes leaving almost no trace of the original. It has been the subject of numerous television series and video games, including several recently translated for the Western Market, such as Battle Houshin (houshin is the Japanese reading of Fengshen) and Fengshen Yanyi: Legends of Gods and Heroes. It has also been substantially adapted for the manga Hoshin Engi. The most marked and lasting effect, though, is the use of the name - as Fengshen Bang - as a term in modern Chinese meaning "hit list" (as in a top 10 list or similar, such as music charts). Fengshen Bang (封神榜) is also the name of a modern Chinese TV series based on the Fengshen Yanyi, starring Fan Bingbing as Daji, Ma Jingtao as King Zhou of Shang
See also
Chinese mythology
Religion in China
Zhou Dynasty
Shang Dynasty
Welkin Lords
Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fengshen_Yanyi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Chinese_mythology
Fengshen Yanyi | Chinese novels | Taoism | Chinese classic novels
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