Overview
Within the realm of Chinese mythology, Yan Wang (閻王) stands out as the sovereign of the underworld. He oversees the intricate layers of Diyu (地獄), the Chinese-Buddhist concept of Hell, and is charged with the crucial task of judging the souls of the deceased. Renowned for being one of the most formidable deities within this belief system, Yan Wang’s origins trace back to the Hindu god Yamaraja from the Rigveda. With the influx of Buddhism, tales of Yan Wang proliferated across East Asia, intertwining with regional traditions. This blending of mythologies, known as religious syncretism, resulted in a figure who is now prevalent in Buddhism-adhering cultures like Tibet, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. Despite retaining his role as the ruler of the dead in China, Fu Yan Wang’s appearance evolved significantly to resonate with the predominant Han-Chinese cultural aesthetics.
Etymology
The term Yánwáng (閻王), the predominant Chinese designation, directly translates to “King Yan.” His complete title, Yán Luó Wáng (閻羅王), is derived from the transcription of his Sanskrit counterpart, Yamaraja. In Western contexts, Yan Wang is frequently referred to simply as Yama, and various forms of romanization such as “Yen Lo Wang” are also used.
Attributes
King Yan is typically portrayed with an intimidating visage characterized by large, bulging eyes, crimson skin, a stern demeanor, and an extended black beard. He is often seen adorned in traditional Chinese garments and wearing a judge’s cap emblazoned with the character for “king” (王).
Family
Yan Wang is depicted as having no family of his own. However, he is generally accompanied by a scribe, armed with a calligraphy brush and a significant tome containing the names and death dates of all past, present, and future humans. Additionally, two fierce guardians of Hell, Ox-Head (牛頭) and Horse-Face (馬面), assist him by guiding newly deceased souls before Yan Wang for judgment.
Mythology
In Chinese-Buddhist tradition, the existence of Diyu (地獄) comprises ten chilling layers, with each progressively horrifying than the last, similar to Dante’s Inferno. Yan Wang reigns as the supreme deity over all of Diyu. The eighth-century Buddhist poet Hanshan cautioned the living to practice virtue to escape Yan Wang’s wrath:
“I urge you, cease your endless journeys;
Do not provoke him, old Yan Wang.
A misstep may lead you down the evil paths,
Your bones crushed, ground to powder, a thousand times!
For an extended period, you’ll reside in Hell,
Permanently estranged from the realms of the living.”
Contrary to Christian beliefs, there exists no way to evade Diyu post-mortem. However, the optimistic aspect lies in the fact that souls do not endure everlasting damnation. Their kinds and durations of punishment align with the magnitude of their transgressions. Virtuous souls are permitted a reprieve in Heaven for a time before reincarnating or breaking free from the cycle of rebirth. On the other hand, those deemed sinful undergo rigorous questioning by Yan Wang, who probes them about the spiritual ramifications of their deeds. Following their admission of ignorance regarding consequences, these souls face the torment of wandering the labyrinthine paths of Hell until they reach their destinies, which are multifaceted.
Hypocrites suffer death by steaming in vast metal cauldrons, arsonists endure bindings to burning copper pillars, and murderers condemned for lethal assaults must perpetually ascend mountains of razor-like knives. The lowest tier of Diyu accommodates those guilty of the most egregious crimes, the so-called Five Grave Offenses, which encompass acts such as matricide, patricide, the slaying of enlightened beings, the spilling of a Buddha’s blood, or causing discord within the Buddhist community. These grave offenses draw the ire of Yan Wang, who administers strict punishment, relegating these sinners to reincarnation as lesser creatures or insects.
Intriguingly, Yan Wang himself is not exempt from the anguishes of Hell. Rather, he exists as a soul condemned to reside in Diyu, akin to all entities. When not enacting judgments, he faces severe torments wherein three times daily, he is affixed to a scorching metal surface, subjected to streams of molten metal poured down his throat—a detail that elucidates the intense redness of his skin.
Despite his fearsome reputation, Yan Wang is not characterized as malevolent. Some narratives portray him as being demoted to the Fifth King of Hell due to his merciful nature. In various interpretations, the title of Yan Wang may not reference one individual but a succession of rulers. Once a Hell sovereign completes their time in Hell, they can reincarnate on Earth or exit the cyclical existence entirely. In some tales, virtuous mortals earn the title of King of Hell as a reward for noble actions.
Pop Culture
Traditionally, after a death, families burn “Hell money” (or joss paper) to ensure their deceased loved ones are sustained in the afterlife. In the context of Hell’s mazes, souls are believed to require currency for sustenance and other necessities on their journey. The act of burning joss paper forms an integral aspect of the mourning and funeral rituals. Yan Wang is frequently depicted on such “Hell money.” Given his renowned status as a universal deity of death throughout Asia, Yan Wang has made appearances in various media, including a character known as King Yemma in the anime Dragon Ball Z and King Enma in Yokai Watch.
