Shun (Chinese leader)
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Shun (Traditional Chinese: 舜) was a legendary 23rd-22nd century BC leader of ancient China, among the Three August Ones and Five Emperors, whose half-century of rule was one of the longest in Chinese history.
Born Yao Chonghua (姚重華), he was also known as Youyu-shi (有虞氏), the Great Shun (大舜) or Yu Shun (虞舜). He received the mantle of leadership from Emperor Yao at the age of 53 and died at 100, after relinquishing the seat of power to Yu of Xia. Shun's capital was at Puban (蒲阪) (presently in Shanxi).
In later centuries, Yao and Shun were glorifished after their virtue by Confucian phil. Shun was particularly renowned for his modesty and filial piety (xiao 孝).
The name of Shun's mother was Wudeng(握登), and his birthplace was Yaoxu (姚墟). He was abandoned by his parents and grew up as an orphan.
Emperor Yao chose Shun as his successor and put him on the throne in the year of Jiwei (己未). Yao's capital was in Ji (冀) which, presently, is also in Shanxi province.
Shun is also renowned as the originator of the music called Daoshao (大韶), a symphony of nine Chinese music instruments.
[edit] Events of Shun's regime
In the 3rd year of his regime, he ordered Jiutao (咎陶) to establish penalties to deal with various criminals.
In the 9th year of his regime, the West Queen came to worship in China and brought white jade rings and Jue (玦) as gifts.
In the 14th year of his regime, Yu of Xia was appointed to manage disasters caused by floods and winds.
In the 15th year of his regime, he appointed Houshi (后氏) to build the palace.
In February of the 17th year, dancing was first taught at schools.
In the 25th year of his regime, envoy of the Xishen (息慎) tribe came and, as gifts, brought the bow and arrow.
In the 29th year, he ordered Ziyi (子义) to serve as duke in Shang.
In the 30th year of his regime, his wife Mang (盲) died and was honored with a tomb built for her at Wei (渭).
In the 32nd year of his regime, he transferred military power to Yu of Xia.
In January of the 33rd year of his regime, he rewarded Yu of Xia for his achievement in managing the floods, in the aftermath of which, nine provinces were re-established in China.
In the 35th year of his regime, he ordered Yu of Xia to send troops to Youmiao (有苗). After Yu achieved victory, Youmiao sent an envoy with a request to join China.
In the 42nd year of his regime, the Xuandu (玄都) people came to worship him and brought precious jade as gifts.
The winter of the 47th year of his regime was very warm and the grass did not die.
In the 49th year of his regime, he moved to Mintiao (鸣条), a place later called Haizhou (海州) during the Warring States Period.
His death came the following year, after a rule described as having lasted fifty years.
See also: Chinese mythology
[edit] External links
| Three August Ones and Five Emperors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Yao |
Emperor of China c. 2233 BC – c. 2184 BC |
Succeeded by Yu |
