Divine Characteristics
Queen Mother of the West: Also known as “Wangmu Niangniang”, revered in Taoism as “Golden Mother of the Nine Spirits”. Her image evolved through three stages: primitive leopard-tailed deity in Shan Hai Jing, elegant diplomatic goddess in Tale of King Mu, and female immortal leader in Taiping Guangji (Song Dynasty).
Mythological Origins
- Primitive worship: Oracle bone inscriptions of “Xi Mu” sacrifices
- Geographical prototype: Personification of Kunlun Mountain beliefs (Shangshu·Yugong)
- Taoist integration: Established as “Patriarch of Female Immortals” in Tao Hongjing’s Map of the Realms of the Immortals
- Literary elevation: Granted immortality attributes in Stories of Emperor Wu of Han
Classic Legends
- Feast with King Mu (Tale of King Mu): Zhou King Mu and Queen Mother drink at Yaochi Pond, promise to reunite in three years
- Elixir to Chang’e (Huainanzi): Chang’e steals immortality potion, flies to the moon
- Peach Banquet (Journey to the West): Biannual celestial gathering for immortals
- Demon Subjugation (Investiture of the Gods): Assists Jiang Ziya, subdues demons with Vajra Pestle
Divine Relationships
Sanqing ── Jade Emperor
└─ Queen Mother (Leader of Female Immortals)
├─ Seven Fairies (Dong Yong legend)
├─ Magu (Goddess of Longevity)
└─ Nine-Heavenly Maiden (War Goddess)
├─ Eastern Duke (Yin-Yang counterpart)
└─ Twenty-Eight Constellations (Celestial Officials)Literary Classics
- Earliest record: Shan Hai Jing·Xi Shan Jing
- Definitive version: Intrigues of Emperor Wu of Han
- Mythological novel: Journey to the West Chapter 5
- Modern adaptation: Guo Moruo’s Streets in Heaven
Cultural Heritage
Queen Mother’s Birthday: 3rd day of 3rd lunar month
- Traditional practices: Peach Banquet (Dongjing Menghualu), birthday rituals (Qing Jialu)
- Regional customs: Xinjiang Tianchi Temple Fair, Taiwan Dajia Zhenlan Temple Festival
- Heritage status: “Queen Mother Mythology” listed as National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014
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