Emperor Zhenwu, also known as "Xuantian Shangdi", "Xuanwu Dadi", "You Sheng Zhenjun Xuantian Shangdi", "Zhenwu Dangmo Dadi", etc., is a revered deity in Taoism who presides over the northern heaven. In ancient Chinese legends, the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Xuanwu are the great gods in charge of the four directions, and Zhenwu is namely Xuanwu. The annotation of Chu Ci·Yuan You ( Elegies of Chu·Distant Journey ) states: "Xuanwu is the name of the northern god." Shi Ji·Tian Guan Shu ( Records of the Grand Historian·Book of Celestial Officials ) says: "In the Northern Palace, Xuanwu corresponds to the constellations of Xu and Wei, and Wei resembles a covered house." Volume 6 of Chongxiu Weishu Jicheng ( Recompiled Collection of Apocryphal Texts ), He Tu ( River Chart ), records: "The Black Emperor of the North, whose divine name is Ye Guangji, and whose essence is Xuanwu."
The belief in Emperor Zhenwu in Taoism flourished in the Song and Ming dynasties. Yuanshi Tianzun Shuo Beifang Zhenwu Miaojing ( The Venerable Primordial 天尊's Explanation of the Wonderful Scripture of Northern Zhenwu ) states that Emperor Zhenwu was originally a prince of the Jingle Kingdom. He assisted the Jade Emperor, vowed to slay all demons in the world, and rescue the deluded masses. Later, he left his home and practiced Taoism in Wudang Mountain for forty-two epochs. After achieving full merits and virtues, the Jade Emperor, hearing of his bravery, ordered him to guard the north and take charge of the position of Zhenwu.
Taoism also regards Emperor Zhenwu as the ancestor of the Thunder Ministry, abbreviated as the Thunder Ancestor, i.e., the god who presides over wind, rain, thunder, and lightning; he is also regarded as the "Great God of Wuqu".
✨ Recommended Taoist Talismans
Discover powerful talismans for your spiritual journey
The image of Emperor Zhenwu is mostly that of a powerful guardian deity. Taishang Zhuguo Jiumin Zongzhen Miyao ( The Supreme Secret Essentials for Assisting the Country and Saving the People ) describes: "Zhenwu is a hundred feet tall, with disheveled hair, wearing lock armor, treading on a five-colored spiritual turtle, also known as the flying snake, and the tortoise of the Eight Trigrams, standing with a sword in hand, his eyes shining like lightning."
