Xiwangmu, also known as the Queen Mother of the West, is one of the most powerful and ancient goddesses in Chinese mythology. Her name literally translates to “Queen Mother of the West,” and she is believed to have complete control over life, death, creation, and destruction. Xiwangmu is revered in Chinese culture and has influenced neighboring countries such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
The etymology of Xiwangmu’s name is derived from the Chinese language, with “Xi” meaning “west,” “wang” meaning “king,” and “mu” meaning “mother.” She is often depicted as a beautiful woman dressed in luxurious robes and surrounded by a retinue of female spirits. Xiwangmu’s palace is believed to be located on Mount Kunlun, which is considered the center of the world in Chinese mythology.
According to Chinese mythology, Xiwangmu is married to Mugong, the prince who watches over males in the Donghua paradise. Xiwangmu presides over an entirely female court, and her palace is a peaceful meeting place for the gods. She is often depicted holding a peach, which is a symbol of immortality, and is believed to be able to grant eternal life to those who are worthy.
Overview
Xiwangmu, also known as the Queen Mother of the West, is a powerful goddess in the Chinese pantheon. Her name means “Queen Mother of the West” and she is considered to be one of the most ancient and revered goddesses in Chinese mythology. Xiwangmu is known for her control over life, death, creation, and destruction.
According to Chinese mythology, Xiwangmu is married to the Jade Emperor, and together they tend to the Peaches of Immortality in their palace gardens. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman with wings and a bird’s beak, and is sometimes shown holding a peach or a staff.
Xiwangmu’s palace is said to be located on Mount Kunlun, which was believed to be the center of the world in ancient Chinese mythology. Her palace is described as a perfect paradise, where she presides over an entirely female court of goddesses and feminine spirits. Xiwangmu’s importance in Chinese mythology is reflected in her continued worship and reverence in Chinese folk religion.
Etymology
Origin of the Name
The name Xiwangmu (西王母) is derived from the Chinese language. The first character, “Xi” (西), means “west,” while the second character, “wangmu” (王母), means “queen mother.” The name is often translated as “Queen Mother of the West,” which is a reference to her status as the ruler of the western paradise.
Meaning and Interpretation
The name Xiwangmu has several different interpretations. Some scholars believe that it is a reference to the western direction, which is associated with the afterlife and the setting sun. Others suggest that it reflects her role as a fertility goddess, as the character “wang” (王) can also mean “king” or “ruler.” The character “mu” (母) means “mother,” which is a common title for goddesses associated with fertility and childbirth.
Overall, the name Xiwangmu reflects her status as a powerful goddess who oversees the western paradise and has control over life, death, creation, and destruction. Her name is an important part of her mythology and helps to convey her attributes and role in Chinese folklore.
Attributes
Iconography
Xiwangmu is often depicted as a regal and beautiful woman, dressed in fine robes and adorned with precious jewelry. She is typically depicted holding a peach or a peach branch, which symbolizes immortality. Sometimes, she is shown riding a phoenix or a dragon, which are both symbols of power and good fortune.
Powers and Abilities
Xiwangmu is known for her vast powers and abilities. As the Queen Mother of the West, she has complete control over life, death, creation, and destruction. She is also the guardian of the Peaches of Immortality, which grant eternal life to those who eat them. Additionally, she is believed to have the power to heal the sick and grant fertility to women.
Xiwangmu’s powers are not limited to the physical realm. She is also a powerful spiritual force, and is believed to be able to communicate with the gods and spirits of the universe. Her palace, located on Mount Kunlun, is said to be a gateway to the heavens, and she is often called upon to mediate disputes between the gods and mortals.
Overall, Xiwangmu is a complex and powerful deity, revered for her beauty, wisdom, and vast array of abilities.
Family Tree
Ancestry
Xiwangmu, the Queen Mother of the West, is a goddess in Chinese mythology who is believed to be the daughter of the Jade Emperor and the Queen of the Holy Mother of the West. Her father, the Jade Emperor, is the ruler of all the gods in Chinese mythology, while her mother is a goddess who is believed to be the patron of women.
According to some accounts, Xiwangmu’s ancestry can be traced back to the Yellow Emperor, one of the legendary figures of Chinese history who is believed to have lived around 2700 BCE.
Descendants
Xiwangmu is said to have several children, including the gods of the stars, the gods of the winds, and the gods of the mountains. She is also believed to have had a son named Mugong, who is the god of war and is sometimes referred to as the King Father of the West.
In addition to her divine offspring, Xiwangmu is also associated with the Peaches of Immortality, which are said to grow in her palace gardens. These peaches are believed to grant eternal life to those who eat them, and are guarded by Xiwangmu and her attendants.
Overall, Xiwangmu’s family tree is a complex and fascinating aspect of Chinese mythology, and her descendants continue to play important roles in the stories and beliefs of the Chinese people.
Mythology
Tales and Legends
Xiwangmu is a prominent figure in Chinese mythology, with many tales and legends surrounding her. One such tale tells of how she became the Queen Mother of the West. According to the legend, Xiwangmu was once a mortal woman who lived in the mortal realm. She was renowned for her beauty and wisdom, and many people came to her seeking advice. One day, the Jade Emperor himself came to her and was so impressed by her wisdom that he asked her to marry him and become the Queen Mother of the West.
Another legend tells of how Xiwangmu came to possess the Peaches of Immortality. According to the legend, the peaches grew in Xiwangmu’s palace gardens, and only ripened once every 3,000 years. The peaches were said to grant immortality to those who ate them, and were highly sought after by both mortals and immortals alike.
Cultural Significance
Xiwangmu has played a significant role in Chinese culture for centuries. She is often depicted as a powerful and wise goddess who holds the key to immortality. Her image can be found in many Chinese temples and shrines, and she is worshipped by many as a symbol of strength and wisdom.
Xiwangmu’s influence has also spread to other countries in the region, such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. In Japan, she is known as Seiobo, and is considered to be the Queen of the Heavens. In Korea, she is known as Seowangmo, and is worshipped as a goddess of fertility and childbirth. In Vietnam, she is known as Tây Vương Mẫu, and is revered as a protector of the people.
Overall, Xiwangmu’s mythology and cultural significance have made her one of the most important figures in Chinese mythology, and her influence can be seen throughout the region and beyond.