Ancient Divine Beasts

Ancient Divine Beasts

History

The "Five Ancient Divine Beasts" originate from the Huainanzi and correspond to the five elements of wood, metal, fire, water, and earth. These are associated with five great celestial emperors: Fuxi, Shaohao, Yan Di, Zhuan Xu, and Huang Di.

Each of these emperors has a patron deity and a sacred beast under their command, which are the legendary Five Elements, Five Gods, and Five Beasts.

Fuxi is associated with the wood deity, Kumu, and his sacred beast, the Azure Dragon;

Zhuan Xu with the water deity, Yuyang, and his sacred beast, the Black Warrior;

Yan Di with the fire deity, Zhurong, and his sacred beast, the Vermilion Bird;

Shaohao with the metal deity, Rushou, and his sacred beast, the White Tiger;

Huang Di with the earth deity, Hou Tu, and his sacred beast, the Yellow Dragon.