Yu the Great

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For the Yu in the television series Stargate SG-1, see Yu (Stargate).

Yu the Great

Yu (Chinese: 禹 (21st century BC), born Si Wenming Chinese: 姒文命), often regarded with legendary status as Yu the Great (大禹), was the first ruler and founder of the Xia Dynasty. Occasionally identified as one of The Three August Ones and the Five Emperors, he is best remembered for teaching the people flood control techniques to tame China's rivers and lakes.

[edit] Yu and The Flood

Yu's father, Gun (鯀), was assigned by Yao(堯) to regulate the floods but was so unsuccessful in his attempt that he was executed by the later ruler Shun (舜). Recruited as a successor to his father, Yu began dredging new river channels as outlets, spending a back-breaking thirteen years and some 20,000 workers in the task.

Yu is remembered as an example of perseverance and determination. He is revered as the perfect civil servant. Stories abound about his work in flood techniques taking such importance to him that he bypassed his house three times in thirteen years but never went in — reasoning that a family reunion would take his time and mind away from the flood control problem.

Shun was so impressed by Yu's efforts that he passed the throne to him instead of his own son.

[edit] Death

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, where a mausoleum was built in his honor. 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.