Yu (often called Da Yu 大禹 "Yu the Great") was a legendary Emperor of the Xia Dynasty, occasionally identified as one of The Three August Ones and the Five Emperors. He is remembered for teaching the people flood control techniques to tame the rivers and lakes.
He is also remembered as example of perseverance and determination. Stories tell about his work in flood techniques taking such importance to him that he crossed the front of his house thrice in ten years but never went in — reasoning that a family reunion would take his time and mind away from the flood control problem.
According to historical texts, Yu died at Mount Kuaiji (south of present day Shaoxing) whilst on a hunting tour on the southern frontier of his empire, and was buried there. A number of emperors in imperial times have travelled there to perform ceremonies in his honour, notably Qin Shi Huang. A temple, Dayu Ling (大禹陵), has been built on the traditional site where the ceremonies are performed.
Before Yu's time, the title of emperor was passed to the next person considered by the community to have the highest virtue, instead from father to son. However, Yu's son, Qǐ (啟), was very capable himself and was recommended to be the next ruler of the dynasty. This became the precedent of rulership based on heredity in China.
See also
Encyclopaedia Mythica Entry for Yu (http://www.pantheon.org/articles/y/yu-huang.html)
Yu (often called DaYu 大禹 "Yu the Great" or the "Jade Emperor") was a legendary Emperor of the Xia Dynasty, occasionally identified as one of The Three August Ones and the Five Emperors.
Stories tell about his work in flood techniques taking such importance to him that he crossed the front of his house thrice in ten years but never went in — reasoning that a family reunion would take his time and mind away from the flood control problem.
According to historical texts, Yu died at Mount Kuaiji (south of present day Shaoxing) whilst on a hunting tour on the southern frontier of his empire, and was buried there.
Yu started out as the son of a mortal king and was a mortal himself.
Encyclopedia Mythica: Yu)." He determines all that happens in Heaven, Earth, and "the lower regions;" promotes subordinate deities; controls the ministries of natural phenomena and aspects of human existence; and the creation of the bodies of men from clay.
We learn that Yus full name is "The Jade Emperor, Yu-Huang-Shang-Ti" also known as "Yu the Great." Along with Baal, Bastet, Kali, Morrígan, Olokun, and Svarog, Yu is one of the seven System Lords meeting at the neutral zone of the Hassara System.
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