

Believed to be the author of the Dao De Jing i.e. Tai Shang Lao Jun ( 太上老君 ): Tai Shang Lao Jun, also known as Dao De Tian Jun (道德天君), is the common Taoist title for Laozi, the mythical founder of Taoism.During annual Hungry Ghost Festival rites, the Earth Officer is also venerated for his ability to absolve sins. For example, the Heaven Officer is believed by some to be the Jade Emperor, while others see him as one of the ancient Chinese emperors. There are different versions of who these Chinese mythological gods are. The “Three Officers” of Heaven, Earth, and Water. San Guan ( 三官 ): The “Three Officers” of Heaven, Earth, and Water.Ling Bao Tian Jun ( 灵宝天君 ): One of the Three Purities in Taoism, Ling Bao Tian Jun roughly means the “Heavenly Lord of the Divine Treasures.” He is said to hold the mysteries of the universe within his eyes.Originally worshiped by the ancient Chinese as the progenitor of the stars and constellations. Dou Mu Niang Niang ( 斗母娘娘 ): The mother goddess of the Big Dipper stars.Cao Guojiu (曹国舅) – An ex-courtier holding Chinese castanets.

Zhang Guolao (张果老) – A sagely old man riding a donkey and holding a Chinese fish-drum.Han Xiangzi (韩湘子) – A Chinese scholar with a bamboo flute.Lan Caihe (蓝采和) – A young, almost androgynous boy with a flower basket.He Xiangu (何仙姑) – A beautiful young lady holding a lotus blossom.Lü Dongbin (吕洞宾) – A Taoist priest-like character with magical twin swords.Han Zhongli (汉钟离) – A jovial ex-general with a large Chinese fan.Li Tieguai (李铁拐) – A crippled beggar man with crutches.Their most famous story is that of them crossing the Eastern Sea and coming into conflict with the Eastern Dragon King. Ba Xian ( 八仙): The “Eight Immortals” are a group of Taoist deities typically represented by the unique artifacts they wield.Taoists also worship a wide pantheon of gods and deities, as well as honor a variety of Chinese myths. Over the centuries, a plethora of rituals and practices were incorporated into the faith. Occasionally described as China’s indigenous faith, Taoism is an ancient religion and philosophy that emphasizes harmonious living with the universal way i.e. For this list, only major, i.e., well-known characters from such classical works are featured. Classical Chinese fantasy sagas such as Journey to the West are also renowned/notorious for having hundreds of characters.
