Overview
In the rich tapestry of Chinese mythology, Fuxi holds a preeminent place as the first male ancestor of humanity, embodying the characteristics of a cultural hero and a kindly deity. His contributions to early civilization are significant, including the creation of writing, the establishment of fishing practices, and the domestication of animals, all vital for human survival and growth. Artistically, Fuxi is often depicted with a human head and a serpent’s body, similar to his sister, Nüwa. Alternatively, he may be illustrated as a sage adorned in traditional animal skins or flowing yellow garments.
Etymology
The name Fuxi, 伏羲, combines the character fú (伏), which means to lie down, and xī (羲), an ancient Chinese term signifying vapor. Within alternative romanization systems such as Wade-Giles, the name is rendered as Fu-Hsi. Historical texts sometimes refer to him as Paoxi (庖犧), where páo (庖) denotes a kitchen or cooking, and xī (犧) references a sacrificial animal. In Wade-Giles, this is written as Pao-Hsi.
Family
Fuxi is united in marriage to his sister, Nüwa, and they share a mother named Huaxu. Legend has it that Huaxu unexpectedly conceived twins after she stepped into a footprint left by the thunder deity, Leigong. According to one narrative, Fuxi and Nüwa brought humanity into existence through their union, with Nüwa regarded as the primary mother goddess in Chinese lore.
Family Tree
- Parents:
- Mother: Huaxu
- Siblings:
- Sister: Nüwa
- Consort:
- Wife: Nüwa
Mythology
Fuxi’s revered status as a deity stems from his role in bestowing civilization and its substantial benefits upon humanity. Ancient historian Ban Gu recounts Fuxi’s vital contributions: initially, there was no social structure. People suffered from hunger, foraging frantically for sustenance, unable to manage their resources. It was during these tumultuous times that Fuxi appeared, observing the heavens and the earthly realm, thereby crafting the principles that would guide humanity.
The Invention of Fishing and Trapping
Fuxi and Nüwa displayed genuine affection for humanity, often perceiving them as their offspring and intervening during times of adversity. Following Nüwa’s efforts to mend the sky which safeguarded humanity, populations flourished. In an era marked by verdant landscapes and a multitude of wildlife, humans primarily depended on hunting for sustenance. However, Fuxi recognized the precariousness of this dependence as he witnessed many suffer from hunger after unsuccessful hunts. In a moment of compassion, he ventured to a stream and caught fish by hand. He then demonstrated to humans how they could do the same.
In response, the Dragon King, Longwang, who governed the waters, became infuriated by humanity’s fishing habits, fearing that his aquatic subjects were being depleted. He instructed Fuxi that humans could no longer fish with their hands. Distressed by this decree, Fuxi contemplated a solution. While resting beneath a tree, he observed a spider spinning a web that ensnared insects, from which an idea sparked. He fashioned a net from wild reeds, successfully capturing a plethora of fish, and eagerly shared his innovation with humanity.
Furious at this defiance, the Dragon King’s rage led to his eyes bulging in astonishment, a permanent alteration to his appearance. His advisor, a wise tortoise, attempted to soothe the king but was instead unceremoniously knocked into an ink bowl, leading to an enduring dark stain on his shell.
The Bagua (八卦) or Eight Trigrams
Perhaps Fuxi’s most significant spiritual contribution lies in his creation of the bagua (八卦), or eight trigrams. These symbols consist of three lines, either broken or unbroken, representing eight foundational realities. The bagua holds vital importance in both Chinese Buddhism and feng shui. Legend states that Fuxi was inspired to draw these trigrams after observing the markings on the back of a turtle emerging from a river.
The Domestication of Livestock
Alongside fishing and the invention of the bagua, Fuxi is credited with the domestication of animals. He recognized that nurturing livestock for meat, milk, and labor proved far more efficient than the exhausting pursuit of hunting. Fuxi is also attributed with various innovations, such as currency, writing, metal smelting, meat preservation, and the exchange of engagement gifts.
The Creation of Mankind
Fuxi is instrumental in narratives surrounding mankind’s creation. In some versions, he and Nüwa created humanity through their union. In others, he aids Nüwa in crafting people from clay while assisting her in repairing the sky following a cataclysmic battle. Nonetheless, his involvement in these creation stories is often overshadowed by Nüwa’s more prominent role, reflective of the matriarchal nature of early Chinese society that frequently positions Fuxi as a supportive figure beside his sister.
Pop Culture
A month-long festival is celebrated from the second day of the second month to the third day of March in the lunar calendar in honor of Fuxi’s temple in Tianshui City. His birthday, falling on the 16th day of this calendar, attracts visitors from surrounding areas who come to light incense and offer prayers. Many invoke Fuxi’s blessings for health, prosperity, or to express gratitude to their ancestral figure. Fuxi also appears in modern media, including video games like Dynasty Warriors and Age of Mythology, as well as in Marvel’s Warriors of Three Sovereigns, where a character named Lin Lie brandishes a weapon known as the “Fuxi sword,” signifying a deep lineage connected to Fuxi.
