The Four Dragon Kings
Long Wang
Chinese mythology refers to four Dragon Kings (Long Wang), each of which rules one of the four seas (which in turn relate to the four cardinal compass points). They are said to live in great crystal palaces under the oceans.
The four Dragon Kings are:
- Ao Shun (North)
- Ao Ch'in (South)
- Ao Kuang (East)
- Ao Jun (West)
Of these Ao Kuang was the King of the Dragons with the largest territory. He was later succeeded by his son Ao Ping.
As well as ruling the oceans, the Dragon Kings have power over other forms of water such as clouds and rain. It was to them that people would turn when threatened by drought or flood. If angered they could wreak havoc with storms and floods. They were more powerful even than the Emperor.
This association of the sea Kings with rain appears to have begun folowing the introduction of Buddhism into China during the Tang dynasty.
Dragon Kings can shapeshift into human form and in this form can sire human children. Emperors sometimes claimed to be descendants of Dragon Kings.
Although there are four "main" Dragon Kings, there also many local ones. In some areas every stretch of water would seem to have its own King! Sometimes statues of the appropriate dragon would be left by the side of the water in the hope of gaining his attention and assistance.