Zhurong : The Fire God
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At a glance
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Chinese Mythology |
| Classification | Gods |
| Family Members | Gaoyang (Father), Gun (Brother), Yu the Great (Nephew) |
| Region | China |
| Associated With | Fire |
Zhurong
Introduction
Zhurong is the God of fire and the south in Chinese mythology and folk religion. Some sources associate him with some of the most important myths of China, such as the Nuwa, Gongggong and the Great Flood. He’s believed to live in the Bright Place of Kunlun Mountain. It is said that he sent the kindling from heaven, and taught human beings how to use fire.
It has been believed that Chinese mythology is full of factual details, and that legends are told about events and characters that actually existed in the past. This is also true for Zhurong, who is portrayed as a historical figure in Sima Qian’s records where he held the important position of Minister of Fire.
Explore 5 Gods of Fire from Various Mythologies Worldwide Here
Physical Traits
Zhurong is depicted as a proud man who wears armour and is riding a tiger. In some stories and myths he is also shown as riding two dragons at once symbolising fire and heat. He is believed to have helped separate Heaven and Earth as well.
Family
Legend has it that Zhurong was the son of Gaoyang, who was is also known as Zhuanxu, a sky god and also a historical person. He is also believed to have inherited the royal lineages of various states in China. Gaoyang also had a son, Gun, who fathered Yu the Great. The imperial clan of the Qin Dynasty also claimed descent through Gaoyang (though not Zhurong). Zhurong was also claimed to be an ancestor to the eight lineages of the royal families of the Chu state.
He is best known for defeating his own son Gong, who was a water demon. For days, they battled across Heaven, until they both fell to Earth.
Other Names
Zhurong is also known as Chongli is many parts of ancient and modern China.
Powers and Abilities
When he was a child, he was named Li (a shortened version or Chongli), as he had a red face and was very smart along with a very fiery temper. At that time, Suiren, his father, learned how to make fire by drilling wood, but he had no idea how to keep it burning or to manage it. Li would eventually become an expert at fire-related tasks and most importantly learn to manage it. Li was capable of using fire for cooking, heating, lighting, driving beasts and insects away and also for other productive uses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Chinese god of fire?
Zhurong is an important personage in Chinese mythology and Chinese folk religion. According to the Huainanzi and the philosophical texts of Mozi and his followers, Zhurong is a god of fire and of the south.
What is the story of Zhurong?
Zhu Rong is the God of Fire in ancient Chinese mythology. He’s believed to live in the Bright Place of Kunlun Mountain. It is said that he sent the kindling from heaven, and taught human beings how to use fire. According to some legends, Zhu Rong was an official in charge of fire under the Yellow Emperor.
Who is the Chinese god of forge?
In ancient China, Zhurong was the God of Fire, the “Brilliant One of the Forge.” It was he who defeated Gonggong in an epic battle of the gods, a Chinese version of the war in Heaven.
