Yellow Emperor

• Chinese: 黄帝 (huang di)

The Yellow Emperor is a legendary ancient Chinese ruler, to whom is credited the origins of all [Chinese] civilization. He is counted among the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, also known as the Sage Kings, who are credited with introducing fire, agriculture, mankind, and the separation of Heaven and Earth.

Throughout most of Chinese history, the Yellow Emperor was considered a historical figure, who actually lived, and ruled, in the distant, ancient, past. Today, however, scholars identify him as a purely legendary figure.

References

• K.C. Chang, Art, Myth, and Ritual, Harvard University Press (1983), 2.