How 3 legendary figures shaped foundations of ancient China

From invention of writing to discovery of tea, these mythological figures stand apart in the founding myth of Chinese culture

When a civilisation has endured as long as Chinese culture, the story of its founding often transforms into a legend rather than a historical account.

The three figures of Xuan Yuan Huangdi, Yandi, and Chiyou are central to the founding myths of ancient China. They are believed to have existed during the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors Period, an era of Chinese history that predates documented evidence, and this trio have been revered as demigods throughout much of Chinese history.

Whether or not they ever existed is beside the point, as the characters helped shape Chinese culture and guide its early development.

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According to a study published in the International Journal of History in July this year, "These legends foster a sense of pride and continuity among the Chinese, linking contemporary society with a storied past."

Let's meet these legendary icons.

Xuan Yuan Huangdi (The Yellow Emperor)

Huangdi, or the Yellow Emperor, was the half-brother of Yandi and was the third of the mythological emperors. He is the patron saint of Daoism and his regime is credited with introducing fundamental cultural advancements such as writing, compasses, boats, wooden houses, and in some histories, government institutions and coined money.

According to legend, Huangdi had bright eyes and started speaking when he was one year old. The earliest accounts of Huangdi appeared during the Warring States Period (476 BC-221 BC), and more details were added during the Han dynasty (202 BC-9, 25-220).

Descriptions of Huangdi intertwine seemingly historical accounts with mythological elements, making it challenging to ascertain his existence. However, the consistency in these accounts suggests that his story has been transmitted since the earliest days of Chinese civilisation.

According to legend, Huangdi's minister, Cang Jie, was inspired by animal hoofprints and other natural patterns to create the first Chinese characters. This development of writing would enable China to possess the oldest written history in the world.

Huangdi is also credited with establishing the Chinese calendar, which is rooted in the rhythms of agricultural seasons.

The Yellow Emperor was also symbolically linked to major advancements in music and military strategy, but those were likely grassroots cultural advancements.

"Ultimately, while Huangdi holds a significant place in Chinese cultural heritage, his attributed inventions in music and military strategy should be viewed as symbolic representations of cultural and technological progress rather than historical facts directly leading to the emergence of early Chinese civilisation," wrote the authors of the study.

Yandi (The Flame Emperor)

Yandi is revered in both China and Vietnam for his agricultural innovations, and there is ongoing debate about whether he is also the mythological ruler Shennong.

He is credited with inventing the plough, introducing herbal medicine to China, and developing fire and cooking techniques. According to legend, Yandi taught people how to cook food, significantly enhancing their health.

Importantly, Yandi is also believed to have discovered one of China's greatest exports: tea.

The myth says that Yandi - or Shennong - was boiling water when nearby leaves blew into his pot. He was intrigued by the wonderful aroma of the tea and soon discovered it had other beneficial properties.

"Yandi, known for his contributions to agriculture and medicine, represents the ingenuity and resourcefulness that are central to Chinese cultural values," wrote the study authors.

Yandi was an ally of Huangdi early in their lives, but the two would eventually battle over regional influence and become bitter rivals. Huangdi would eventually defeat Yandi in battle.

Chiyou (god of war)

Chiyou was the leader of the Nine Li tribe, and his defeat marked the consolidation of power by Huangdi and the foundation of Huaxia, which is the first historical concept of a Chinese civilisation.

Among these three characters, Chiyou's physical description is the most mythological. He is depicted as a gigantic half-human with the head and legs of a bull, resembling a Greek centaur.

Chiyou was incredibly strong thanks to his diet of consuming sand, stones, copper, and iron. He had 81 brothers and could cast spells to change the weather.

These descriptions do not refer to a historical human figure, suggesting that the battle between Chiyou and Huangdi might have been fought between gods. During their 10-year conflict, Chiyou summoned a fierce storm,while Huangdi unleashed a drought demon to quell it. Legend states that when Chiyou fell, it rained blood.

"Chiyou, known for his martial prowess and technological contributions, represents the intersection of conflict and innovation in ancient China," wrote the study authors.

Chiyou's legend also extends into the Hmong people, who consider him a shrewd king.

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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.

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