Erlang Shen, often referred to as Erlang, stands out as a significant deity in Chinese mythology, easily recognized by the third eye adorning his forehead. Among the various interpretations of Erlang Shen, the most prominent is that of Yang Jian. He is depicted as the nephew of the Jade Emperor, the supreme deity reigning over the heavens, born from the union of the Jade Emperor’s sister and a mortal man. A celebrated figure considered one of the mightiest Warrior Gods, Erlang Shen’s popularity is only secondary to that of the Goddess of Mercy.
Biography
Erlang Shen’s name translates to “Second Son God,” where ‘Er’ means two, ‘Lang’ signifies ‘Boy’ or ‘Son,’ and ‘Shen’ stands for ‘God.’ His mother, Princess Yaoji, governed the realm of desires, responsible for controlling the temptations that might distract gods from their duties. While in pursuit of a wicked dragon who had evaded celestial imprisonment, Princess Yaoji fell in love with a human scholar, Yang Tianyou, who sacrificed his heart to heal her from the dragon’s malevolence. They wed and had three children: Yang Jiao, Yang Jian, and Yang Chan.
Upon learning of her marriage to a mortal, the Jade Emperor dispatched celestial forces to eliminate the half-breeds. Tragically, Tianyou and Yaoji met their demise, leaving only Erlang and his sister Yang Chan alive. Determined to rescue his mother, Yang Jian sought a skilled teacher to impart the necessary abilities. The Jade Emperor, however, imprisoned Yaoji beneath Peach Mountain as a punishment. In his search for his mother, the now-adult Yang Jian ultimately cleaved Mount Peach with an axe, only to face the wrath of ten Sun Gods who incinerated Yaoji. Consumed by sorrow and fury, Yang Jian vanquished nine of the Sun deities but spared the last at the behest of the Moon Goddess, Chang’e. Yang Jian later emerged as a key figure in averting a cataclysmic flood, earning his godly status.
Erlang Shen, synonymous with Yang Jian, is frequently depicted as a valorous Warrior God across various mediums, including folklore, video games, and television, where he battles demons and monsters, embodying the principles of justice and righteousness.
Abilities
Superhuman Strength: Erlang boasts extraordinary physical strength, enabling him to split mountains with his axe and easily defeat numerous adversaries, including demons and celestial soldiers. His primary weapon, the ‘3-Pointed Double-Edged Lance,’ weighs an astounding 27,500 jin (approximately 13 tons), yet he wields it with great agility. Legends recount his astounding ability to carry colossal mountains effortlessly.
Mystical Abilities: Erlang Shen possesses the power of 72 (or sometimes 73) Transformations, allowing him to morph into nearly anything he desires. His magical prowess includes casting spells to immobilize foes, remaining unscathed by fire or water, and utilizing skills such as telekinesis and energy projection.
Superhuman Durability: Inheriting godly traits, Erlang enjoys remarkable durability and stamina that far exceed those of mortals. His unique “Nine Turns Complex Skill” bestows him with exceptional physical resilience and near invincibility against both physical and magical assaults, as evidenced during his encounters with formidable mystical weapons.
Master Warrior: Known as the mightiest Warrior God in Heaven, Yang Jian is highly adept in both armed and unarmed combat. His signature weapon, the “Three-Pointed Double-Edged Lance,” is engineered to slice through tough materials with ease. He has successfully engaged in prolonged battles with powerful foes like Sun Wukong and has demonstrated formidable archery skills in legends like “Journey to the West.”
Erlang has unleashed his divine spear to obliterate numerous gods, demons, and mythical creatures while also channeling tremendous energies, creating barriers, or firing energy blasts capable of cataclysmic destruction.
Celestial Hound: Accompanying Erlang is his loyal companion, the Howling Celestial Dog, a supernatural creature adept at subduing demons. This fierce hound played a crucial role during battles, utilizing its powerful howls to unleash shockwaves that resonate throughout the realms.
Electrokinesis: Erlang Shen wields an ability known as “Heaven’s Punishment,” allowing him to summon destructive bolts of divine lightning against the wicked. This skill includes conjuring storms and unleashing devastating electrical attacks to obliterate enemies.
The Third Eye
Erlang Shen’s third eye is a distinguishing feature that sets him apart within the celestial pantheon. Known predominantly as “The Eye of Heaven,” it possesses extraordinary capabilities that extend beyond mere appearance.
Truth-Seeing: Erlang’s Heavenly Eye enables him to discern truth from deception, revealing the true nature and intentions of those around him, regardless of their disguises.
Tracking and Radar: With the ability to detect impending threats and track fleeing adversaries from great distances, the Heavenly Eye operates as a natural radar, rendering the invention of such technology obsolete.
Energy Projection: As an offensive weapon, the Heavenly Eye can unleash massive energy blasts with devastating results, powerful enough to decimate foe reinforcements or even entire realms, crippling even the mightiest of gods.
Conclusion
Erlang Shen, or Yang Jian, remains a colossal figure in Chinese mythology, revered not only for his might and heroic deeds but also for the deep moral authority he represents. His infinite prowess, from combat skills to mystical abilities, solidifies his standing as a legendary deity.
