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Chinese Goddesses in Creation Myths and Legends, Religions, and Folklore

Chinese goddesses are the celestial beings who reign supreme in the realms of ancient mythology, legends, religions, and folklore.

 

They embody virtues of responsibility and righteousness, possessing the extraordinary ability to shape, rule, and bestow blessings upon the universe.

 

With every graceful gesture, they infuse life into the cosmos and shower divine blessings upon it.

 

With their awe-inspiring presence and pivotal roles, these goddesses weave an indispensable thread in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, their influence transcending the bounds of time itself.

Murals of Some Chinese Goddesses inside the Yongle Palace

Murals of Some Chinese Goddesses inside the Yongle Palace (Built in 1247 — 1358)

Chinese Goddesses

Nu Wa — The Creator of Humanity and Savior of the Sky

 

Nu Wa or Nüwa (女娲) stands as a pivotal figure in Chinese creation myths.

 

After the world was shaped by Pangu, it remained devoid of life, a pristine and untouched wonder.

 

And so, Nu Wa, with her divine touch, crafted life from clay. With a gentle breath, her creations sprang to life — humans who could speak and run, creatures fashioned from the earth's embrace. The marvel of her magic drove her to create more, breathing vitality into the nascent world.

 

She gifted her creations the knowledge of marriage and the art of reproduction, and in some legends, she bestowed upon them the gift of music and dance, teaching humanity to harmonize with the cosmos.

 

From that moment, Nu Wa was revered as a mother goddess, and her creation blossomed into a harmonious world.

Goddess Nu Wa or Nüwa the Creator of Humanity

Goddess Nu Wa or Nüwa Creating Human, Painted by Artist Snow Fish.

Yet one fateful day, a gaping chasm tore open the sky, and calamity rained down as the Water God, Gong Gong, hurled Mount Buzhou into chaos.

 

The very firmament trembled, while eternal fire and deluge devoured life itself.

 

With the aid of her mystical guardians, Teng She and Bai Xi, Nu Wa valiantly battled the monsters that emerged from this catastrophic upheaval, reclaiming the lives lost.

 

She vanquished a colossal, magical tortoise that had unleashed a catastrophic flood, severing its legs and using them as pillars to uphold the sky, preventing it from collapsing upon the earth.

 

She then gathered 36,500 fragments of five-colored stones, forging them into a colossal, enchanting stone that sealed the vast rift in the heavens.

 

Afterward, peace once again graced the world.

Goddess Nu Wa or Nüwa Fixing the Sky

Goddess Nu Wa or Nüwa FIxing the Sky, Painted by Artist Le Xi.

Nu Wa's appearance is portrayed in myriad forms, but most commonly, she is seen as a resplendent being — part woman, part serpent — a symbol of both grace and mystery.

 

As for her origin and ultimate fate, these remain veiled in enigma.

 

Over time, Nu Wa came to be regarded as the sister or consort of Fu Xi. They bore four sons, who watched over the four cardinal directions and orchestrated the transition of seasons, shaping both land and sky.

 

Together, they laid the foundation of an orderly and virtuous society, teaching humankind the fundamental rites that have echoed through the ages.

Look of Goddess Nu Wa or Nüwa

Goddess Nu Wa or Nüwa, Painted by Artist She Xi.

Xiwangmu the Queen Mother of the West — Goddess of the Sacred Kunlun Mountains

 

Xiwangmu (西王母), revered as the Queen Mother of the West, is a formidable goddess dwelling beside Yaochi, a mystical lake nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Kunlun.

 

This enchanting realm is adorned with resplendent flowers and unique flora, including the legendary Peaches of Immortality.

 

Initially, Xiwangmu was depicted as a deity with a human's form and the tail of a leopard.

 

However, over time, she transformed into a beautiful and supreme goddess, presiding over all female deities and safeguarding the elixirs of life that hold the key to immortality.

Xiwangmu the Queen Mother of the West

Xiwangmu the Queen Mother of the West, Painted by Artist Han Dezhu.

Xiwangmu has bestowed her divine blessings upon the mortal realm, dispatching mythical creatures, deities, and sometimes even herself to reward virtuous individuals and aid humanity in the face of calamities and malevolence.

 

In ancient history, some exceptional emperors who achieved remarkable feats met Xiwangmu or were graced with her blessings.

 

Notable sovereigns such as the Yellow Emperor, King Yao, King Shun, Yu the Great, King Mu of Zhou, and Emperor Wu of Han were among those who crossed paths with this divine and benevolent deity.

Xiwangmu the Queen Mother of the West

Murals of Xiwangmu the Queen Mother of the West  inside the Yongle Palace (Built in 1247 — 1358)

Xi He — Goddess of the Sun

 

Xi He (羲和), the goddess of the sun, graced various Chinese myths, taking center stage in their celestial tales.

 

In some renditions, she cradled ten suns as their mother, while in others, she choreographed the sun's elegant ballet across the heavens.

 

Moreover, Xi He bore the vital duty of observing and inscribing the cosmos' wonders, faithfully maintaining the celestial chronicles and the rhythm of time.

Xi He the Goddess of the Sun

Deity Xi He, Painted by Artist Hua Hua.

Chang Xi or Wang Shu — Goddess of the Moon

 

Chang Xi and Wang Shu, two revered Moon Goddesses, hold pivotal roles in ancient Chinese mythology.

 

Chang Xi (常羲) is celebrated as the mother of the 12 moons, symbolizing the year's 12 months.

 

In certain interpretations, Chang Xi and Xi He, the Sun Goddess, are considered the same deity, responsible for setting the calendar and celestial observation.

 

Meanwhile, Wang Shu (望舒) guides the moon's celestial journey by driving its celestial cart.

 

Throughout a tapestry of myths, legends, and folklore, Chang Xi, Wang Shu, and the deity Chang E collectively embody the very essence of the Moon Goddess.

Wang Shu the Goddess of the Moon

Deity Wang Shu, Painted by Artist Hua Hua.

Hou Tu — Goddess of Earth and Land

 

Hou Tu (后土), the revered goddess of terrestrial affairs, stands as a guardian and nurturer of all things that grace the land.

 

Her domain encompasses the majestic peaks and winding rivers that carve the landscape, the bountiful crops that nourish humanity, the delicate plants that carpet the earth, and even the deities connected to these earthly realms.

 

With benevolent grace, she watches over the fertile fields and ensures the harmonious cycle of life, from the birth of new plants to the reproduction of all living creatures.

 

Her presence infuses the world with vitality and prosperity, forging a profound link between the spiritual and the earthly, and granting humanity a motherly protector in the realm of the soil and the land.

Hou Tu the God of Earth, Land, and Central

Deity Hou Tu, Painted by Artist Huan Xiang.

Baihua Xianzi or Hua Shen — Deity of Flowers

 

Baihua Xianzi (百花仙子) or Hua Shen (花神) emerges as the enchanting flower goddess of ancient myths and legends.

 

Her divine authority extends to all aspects of flowers, from their inception to their fading beauty, encompassing their colors, forms, fragrances, and more.

 

In times of pestilence, she leads a celestial retinue of Heavenly Maidens, who gracefully descend from the heavens, scattering petals like fragrant blessings.

 

This enchanting act is believed to alleviate the suffering of those afflicted by plagues on Earth, bringing solace and respite in the midst of hardship.

Baihua Xianzi or Hua Shen the Deity of Flowers

Baihua Xianzi or Hua Shen and Heavenly Maidens Scattering Flowers, Painted by Artist Liu Fufang.

Yun Zhongjun — Deity of Clouds

 

Yun Zhongjun (云中君), a prominent figure in ancient myths and legends, is celebrated as the deity of clouds.

 

In some renditions, she is also revered as the guardian of a mystical lake named Yun Meng Ze.

 

The clouds, ever-changing and ethereal, hold a special place in the collective imagination, their dance across the sky weaving stories of their own.

Yun Zhongjun the Deity of Clouds

Yun Zhongjun the Deity of Clouds, by Artist Liu Danzhai.

Jiutian Xuannu — Goddess of Military, Magic Art, and Justice

 

Jiutian Xuannu, also known as Jiutian Xuannü (九天玄女), stands as an ancient goddess born from the pristine spirit of the universe.

 

Initially, she was depicted as a deity with the head of a human and the body of a bird.

 

However, over time, she transformed into a vision of beauty and grace, embodying wisdom, and holding mastery over the arts of war and magic.

 

Throughout the annals of history, Jiutian Xuannu has lent her support to numerous righteous emperors and valiant generals, aiding them in their conquests and defense.

 

Her benevolence takes the form of military strategy books, guidance in wielding magic weapons, and the teachings of ancient mystical arts, ensuring that justice prevails on the battlefield.

Goddess Jiutian Xuannu or Jiutian Xuannü

Jiutian Xuannu or Jiutian Xuannü, by Miaoxing Jushi.

Su Nü — Goddess of Music, Medicine, and Sex

 

Su Nü (素女), an ancient goddess, possesses unparalleled mastery in the realms of music, medicine, and the art of lovemaking.

 

Her musical talents are unparalleled, particularly her virtuosity in playing the ancient instrument known as the Se (瑟).

 

Her melodies have the unique power to nurture and stir the souls of all who listen.

 

Su Nü is also renowned as a master of medicine and the sacred art of lovemaking.

 

During the Han Dynasty (202 BC — 220 AD), a seminal work in the field of sexology was penned, bearing her name, the "Su Nü Jing."

 

In accordance with myths and legends, Su Nü was the true author of this ancient text, dedicating her wisdom to its pages to instruct and enlighten humankind in the profound aspects of sexual practice, benefiting generations to come.

Su Nü the Goddess of Music, Medicine, and Sex

Su Nü Playing Instrument Se, by Artist Liu Danzhai.

Ma Gu — Deity of Longevity

 

Ma Gu (麻姑) is an immortal deity often portrayed as a beautiful young maiden.

 

With her magical abilities, she aids people and crafts divine alcohol to celebrate other deities' birthdays, all throughout her eternal existence as she witnesses the profound transformations on Earth.

 

Hence, Ma Gu has been a representative of longevity and auspiciousness in Chinese culture, and her birthday greetings are considered highly fortunate, especially for women.

Ma Gu the Deity of Longevity

Ma Gu Celebrates Longevity, Painted by Artist Ren Shuaiying.

Bixia Yuanjun — Goddess of Mount Tai

 

Bixia Yuanjun (碧霞元君) is the goddess who watches over the sacred Mount Tai, one of the most revered places in Chinese culture, with profound cultural and political significance.

 

Her divine presence safeguards the well-being of those who tread upon this hallowed mountain, showering blessings upon the prayers of the virtuous and gifting sincere couples with the joys of parenthood.

Bixia Yuanjun the Goddess of Mount Tai

E Huang and Nv Ying — Goddesses of Xiang River

 

E Huang (娥皇) and Nv Ying (女英), the graceful daughters of Emperor Yao (circa 2377 BC — 2259 BC), and the devoted wives of Emperor Shun (circa 2294 BC — 2184 BC).

 

These two ethereal beings stood by their husbands in times of adversity, accompanying Emperor Shun on his remarkable journey from humble commoner to the exalted status of the great Emperor Shun.

 

After Shun passed away during a tour, E Huang and Nv Ying left the world in the Xiang River and were incarnated as Xiang River Goddesses or Goddesses of the Xiang River (湘夫人).

E Huang and Nv Ying the Goddesses of Xiang River

E Huang and Nv Ying the Goddesses of Xiang River, by Artist Han Dezhu.

Luo Shen — Goddesses of Luo River

 

Luo Shen (洛神) is an exquisitely beautiful deity who became the Goddess of the Luo River after drowning in its waters.

 

Ever since, she has watched over the river, becoming a muse for countless poets and artists who have immortalized her stunning beauty and poignant love story in their masterpieces.

Luo Shen the Goddesses of Luo River

Luo Shen the Goddesses of Luo River, by Artist Chen Quansheng.

Yao Ji — Goddesses of Wu Mountain

 

Yao Ji (瑶姬) holds vigil over Wu Mountain, a deity whose spirit embodies the legacy of a Flame Emperor's daughter.

 

Following her earthly journey, her spirit embarked on a celestial odyssey, eventually alighting on the slopes of Wu Mountain, where it took root as a mystical flower.

 

Through ages of patient observation and the absorption of the universe's essence, she was reborn as a goddess.

 

Yao Ji stands as a muse frequently celebrated in Chinese literature, praised for her extraordinary beauty, virtuous character, benevolent heart, and her renowned love story with a king of Chu State.

 

Her story has captured the imagination of poets and authors, ensuring her place among the most cherished figures in the tapestry of Chinese folklore.

Yao Ji the Goddesses of Wu Mountain

Yao Ji — Goddesses of Wu Mountain, by Artist Ren Ping.

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