Heavenly Emperor | |
Force: | |
Weapon(s): | Sword
|
Type: | Special |
First Appearance: | Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate |
Real name: | Shàngdì or Tiāndì
|
Chinese/Japanese name: | 上帝 or 天帝
|
Mythological figure. As the Jade Emperor, he is alternatively called Yù Dì (玉帝), Yù Huáng (玉皇), Tiān Gōng (天公), Yu Huang Shangdi (玉皇上帝), or Yu Huang Dadi (玉皇大帝). |
Shangdi is a Chinese mythological figure who rules Heaven and is considered one of the most important deities in Taoism, Buddhism, and other folk religions. According to Taoist beliefs, he watches over the realms of Earth and Hell as the Jade Emperor while assisting his predecessor, Yuanshi Tianzun, maintain universal order. He is also responsible for the deification of the other gods and the punishment of heretics through his subordinates.
The Warriors Orochi series refers to him as Tiandi (天帝, onyomi: Tentei) or the Heavenly Emperor.
Role in Games[]
Warriors Orochi[]
The Heavenly Emperor uses the Divine Mirror to protect his throne, but misled Yinglong transforms him into Orochi, causing his death. Mystics, including Fu Xi, rescue him and help subjugate the demon army. Despite regrets, the Emperor thanks the heroes and lends them the unbroken mirror for their final conflict against Tamamo.
Fengshen Yanyi[]
The Fengshen Yanyi series establishes him as the ruling emperor of the mystic realm. While he never makes a personal appearance within the games, various characters will acknowledge his existence. Yuanshi Tianzun and other mystics may occasionally mention his judgments, particularly within the first game of the series. Yang Jian reveals at the end of the game that he is Princess Longji's father. The second title roughly establishes him as the one who had judged to seal away the forgotten hero who had once gifted the human world with tao energy, thus leading to the creation of the "Source of Tao". Aside from using the mystical tao power to resurrect monsters and reshape the human world, the resurrected Da Ji schemes to use it to vanquish him in Magical Fengshen.
Saiyuki: Journey West[]
The final conflict in Saiyuki: Journey West has the heroes seek to protect the unseen emperor and the realm he had created. Asura's grand scheme for his rebellion is to reshape his realm to desires. The Japanese script states that it is the Jade Emperor, yet the English script changes it to Buddha.
Chinese Mythology[]
Shangdi, a patriarchal deity, is believed to have ruled over various aspects of life, including victories, harvests, and kingdom fate. His birthday is celebrated on the ninth day of the first lunar month. Shangdi's existence predates the Xia Dynasty, and his name Tian was supplanted by the Mandate of Heaven concept. Legends suggest he was the crown prince of a kingdom of Pure Felicity, Majestic Heavenly Lights, and Ornaments. He spent over three million years cultivating his Tao, eventually attaining true immortality.
The Jade Emperor, a Chinese god, was a powerful figure who fought against demons and ascended to godhood. He isolated himself in a mountain cave and passed 3,200 trials to cultivate his Tao. A demon, ambitious in its pursuit of ruling the universe, gathered an army of monstrosities to wage war on Heaven. The enlightened Jade Emperor challenged the demon and defeated it, becoming ruler over all. His court hierarchy mirrors Chinese bureaucracy, with each department overseen by a leading deity. Despite his position, the Jade Emperor had no direct involvement in the world's creation. He is also mentioned in other legends, such as inviting twelve animals to Heaven.
Fengshen Yanyi[]
In the novel, the Jade Emperor is the father of Nuwa and the uncle of Erlang Shen. While not a relevant character, he grants the Dragon King Ao Guang permission to punish Nezha who arrogantly killed the latter's third son Ao Bing.
Journey to the West[]
Sun Wukong, a monkey, causes trouble and is rewarded by the Jade Emperor for his mischief. However, he becomes the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, leading to further chaos. The Emperor appoints Sun Wukong as guardian of the heavenly peach garden, but he eats immortality peaches.