Queen Mother of the WestQueen Mother of the West

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

  1. Primitive worship: Oracle bone inscriptions of “Xi Mu” sacrifices
  2. Geographical prototype: Personification of Kunlun Mountain beliefs (Shangshu·Yugong)
  3. Taoist integration: Established as “Patriarch of Female Immortals” in Tao Hongjing’s Map of the Realms of the Immortals
  4. Literary elevation: Granted immortality attributes in Stories of Emperor Wu of Han

Classic Legends

  1. Feast with King Mu (Tale of King Mu): Zhou King Mu and Queen Mother drink at Yaochi Pond, promise to reunite in three years
  2. Elixir to Chang’e (Huainanzi): Chang’e steals immortality potion, flies to the moon
  3. Peach Banquet (Journey to the West): Biannual celestial gathering for immortals
  4. 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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