Myth of the Week · China
The Jade Emperor for kids: ruler of heaven
· P.Sean Tales
Who is in charge of heaven? In Chinese mythology, the Jade Emperor — the calm, careful ruler who sits at the very top of a heavenly court that works remarkably like an empire on earth.
A court in the clouds
The Jade Emperor does not do everything himself. He has ministers, generals, record-keepers and messengers, each with a job — including a Dragon King for every sea and a kitchen god who reports once a year on how each family behaved.
The Great Race
The most famous story about him is a race. The Jade Emperor invited all the animals to compete, and the first twelve to arrive each earned a year of the zodiac. The clever rat rode across the river on the ox's head, then hopped off at the last second to finish first.
The Eight Immortals
Among his most colorful guests are the Eight Immortals — each carrying a magical treasure, from a flute to a fan to a gourd — who cross the sea together, every one of them using their own gift instead of a boat.
Did you know?
Because of that race, every person on earth has a zodiac animal for their birth year — and yes, the rat got the very first one.
Color the legend yourself
The Jade Emperor holds court in Chinese Gods & Immortals — dragons, immortals and the gods of Chinese myth:
- Chinese Gods & Immortals — the Jade Emperor and the Eight Immortals
- Japanese Gods & Dragons
- Indian Gods & Goddesses
Or start free: grab the free coloring pages.
You can find him in our book: Chinese Gods & Immortals.