Xingtian is a giant demon god in Chinese mythology, known for his role as a defiant and rebellious deity. The "Classic of Mountains and Seas: Overseas Western Classic" recounts that Xingtian, who was vying for the throne against Huangdi (the Emperor of Heaven), was decapitated. Even after losing his head, he continued to fight by using his breasts as eyes and his belly button as a mouth, armed with an axe in each hand and a shield.
Biography[]
In mythology, Xingtian was a civil official serving Emperor Yan. He had a passion for music and composed poems like "Fu Li Qu" and "Feng Nian Ci" to celebrate the emperor's birthday.
After Emperor Yan's defeat by Huangdi in the Battle of Banquan, Xingtian followed Yan to the south. When Chiyou rose to seek revenge, Xingtian wanted to join the battle but was prevented by Emperor Yan. Later, when Huangdi's forces defeated Chiyou, Xingtian, enraged by Chiyou's death, rushed to the Nantian Gate in heaven with a sharp axe and shield to challenge Huangdi. Xingtian was ultimately defeated, and Huangdi decapitated him with the Xuanyuan sword.
To prevent Xingtian from coming back to life, Huangdi buried his head at Changyang Mountain. The "Classic of Mountains and Seas, Overseas Western Classic" describes how, after losing his head, Xingtian used his nipples as eyes and his belly button as a mouth. Despite his headless state, he continued to fight with a halberd and axe, creating an eerie presence that deterred other creatures.
Some accounts suggest that Huangdi spared Xingtian because his headless, halberd-wielding movements were seen as amusing, resembling a dance. Xingtian's story of battling invisible enemies has made him a well-known tragic figure in mythology.
Changyang Mountain, where Xing Tian's head was buried, is said to be the birthplace of Shennong (the Yan Emperor). Xing Tian is also believed to have been a vassal of Shennong, tasked by the Yan Emperor to compose the piece "Xiamo," which included the musical work "Furi no Maku" and the poem "Hounen no Uta."
Additionally, to the north of Changyang Mountain lay the country of Xuanyuan, home to the descendants of the Yellow Emperor, though it was separated by several other territories. As a result, Xing Tian's struggle is thought to be a continuation of the conflict between the Yan Emperor and the Yellow Emperor, occurring in the region between Changyang Mountain and Xuanyuan.
Legacy[]
Later culture[]
In later times, Xingtian became a symbol of courageous warriors and was even compared to a god of war across various dynasties. Tao Yuanming’s poem "Reading the Classic of Mountains and Seas" includes the line: "He guards with a small piece of wood, intending to fill the vast sea. Xingtian dances with his halberd and shield, his fierce will remains. Since no similar beings exist, they will vanish without regret. It is futile to think of him, but when will the good times come?" This line praises Xingtian’s indomitable spirit despite his defeat.
In modern times, Xingtian often appears as a character in computer games (typically as an enemy), admired for his distinctive appearance, tragic story, and brave image.
Pop Culture[]
- "Chinese Horoscopes": In this animated series, Xingtian appears in the 25th episode titled "Xiran."
- "Non-Humans": A serialized comic later adapted into an animated series, featuring Xingtian voiced by Tutankhamun.
- "Classic of Mountains and Seas: Goodbye Monsters": A 2022 animated film where Xingtian is voiced by Liu Ruoban.
- "New Gods: Yang Jian": A 2022 animated film, where the creature overseeing the Hunyuan Qi Station is inspired by Xingtian.
- "Nine Days": In this game by Chi Candle, Xingtian is depicted as Chi You’s elder brother. Both are ancient weapons of Jie State, born without self-will and used solely for combat. They later appear as minor bosses before the battle of An Lao.
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