Ancient Chinese & Manipuri mythical legends of war deities
MALE DIVINITIES OF MARTIAL ARTS:
In Ancient Chinese myths and faith, Xuanwu (玄武) is a powerful deity in Chinese religion, one of the higher-ranking deities in Taoism, revered as a powerful god, who is able to control the elements and capable of great magic. He is identified as the god of the north Heidi (黑帝 "Black Emperor") and is particularly revered by martial artists.
At the same time, in ancient Meitei mythology (old Manipuri myths) and faith, Pakhangba (ꯄꯥꯈꯪꯕ) is the ruler and the protector of the entire world. So, like Xuanwu, he is also a high ranking deity as well as the controller of the great magic. Besides, he, himself, is the founder of the great martial art form, Thang-Ta (weaponry form of the Huiyen Langlon).
Next, there are specialised war deities in both the myths and faiths of both the antique civilizations.
MALE DIVINITIES OF WAR:
Guandi, or Kuan Ti, historical name Guan Yu (關羽), also called Guan Gong or Wudi, Chinese god of combat and war, whose immense popularity with the common people rests on the firm belief that his control over evil spirits is so great that even actors who play his part in dramas share his power over demons. Guandi is not only a natural favourite of soldiers but has been chosen patron of numerous trades and professions. This is because Guan Yu, the mortal who became Guandi after death, is said by tradition to have been a peddler of bean curd early in life.
Like Kuan Ti, in ancient Meitei mythology, Marjing (ꯃꯥꯔꯖꯤꯡ), is the god of war, combat, horses and polo sports. He is responsible for the welfare of the horse population in the kingdom. Horses were the great help during warring periods. So, to please him is necessary at utmost for bringing victory in the war.
FEMALE DIVINITIES OF WAR:
And, finally, the female divinities of adventure, war and combat are immensely mentioned in the legends of both the ancient realms.
Jiutian Xuannü (九天玄女) is the Chinese goddess of war, love, sex and longevity. Similarly, Panthoibi (ꯄꯥꯟꯊꯣꯢꯕꯤ) is the Meitei goddess exactly having the aspects, attributes and qualities like that of her Chinese equivalent. Besides, one surprising parallelism is that both are regarded as the “Lady of nine Heavens” in their respective myths.
