The Mythological Character of Zhong Kui in Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon
Zhong Kui stands out as a minor god representing the Heroic Age within the game “Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon.” He is accessible to followers of the deities Fu Xi and Shennong and showcases a unique blend of mythology and strategy.
Key Attributes and Powers
Zhong Kui is primarily offensive in nature and introduces the Jiangshi, a powerful undead unit capable of draining life from adversaries. This unit excels in longevity during battles as they are able to regenerate health while inflicting significant damage. The ability known as Uproot empowers Zhong Kui to target enemy buildings directly, causing continual damage until the roots are destroyed. This ability is instrumental in clearing the battlefield of any remaining strongholds.
Unique Technologies
The technology tree associated with Zhong Kui includes:
– Life Drain: Enhances the Jiangshi’s draining capabilities, allowing them to recover health while attacking enemy troops.
– Demon Slayer: This technology bolsters the effectiveness of Immortals against enemy Myth Units, making them less formidable as the game progresses.
– Unbridled Anger: Enhances the durability of Halberdiers—the only infantry unit available to the Chinese players. This technology also benefits converted enemy infantry, offering strategic advantages when using Monks for conversions.
In summary, Zhong Kui’s arsenal helps players build a robust offensive strategy and cope with increasing enemy threats.
Insights into Mythology
While often categorized as a lesser deity, Zhong Kui’s background is rich and steeped in folklore. Originally a mortal with an unattractive appearance, his exceptional performance in the Imperial Examinations failed to secure him a government position due to the Emperor’s prejudices regarding his looks. In a fit of rage, he committed suicide by throwing himself against the palace’s door. This act condemned him to a ghostly existence in Hell, but he was elevated to the position of overseer of ghosts due to his examination scores.
Today, Zhong Kui is depicted as a powerful figure in charge of controlling the spirits in the underworld, frequently battling malevolent entities and ensuring order among the restless souls. His legend emphasizes the theme of overcoming adversity and using one’s strengths to reign over challenges, providing depth to his character within the game.
Zhong Kui not only serves as an engaging unit within “Age of Mythology,” but he also embodies the rich cultural narratives of Chinese mythology, enhancing the experience for players who choose to explore his story.
