Yu the Great

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

Yu the Great

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

Yu established his capital at Yang City(阳城), according to Bamboo Annals, on the second year of his regime, the prime minister of the previous king of Shun died. On the 5th year, he held the first meeting with all the leaders of states (诸侯) at Tushan(涂山). On the 8th year, he held the second meeting with all the leaders of states at Kuaiji (会稽)，and in order to reinforce his throne, he killed one of northern state leader, Fangfeng (防风氏).

Classic of History also states the Yu the Great.

[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 backbreaking 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 passed by 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. He ruled China for 45 years according to Bamboo Annals.