Modern scholars, on the other hand, believe that the Shanhaijing was compiled over a long period of time, i.e. This work may be regarded to be an early geography of China, and tradition states that it was written during the semi-mythical Xia Dynasty. The earliest mention of Xiwangmu is found in the Shanhaijing (山海經), meaning ‘Classic of Mountains and Seas’. (Xianshan / Public domain ) The Mother, the Monster: Earliest Mentions Seiobo, the Queen Mother of the West, in Japanese art. Colloquially, Xiwangmu is known as Wangmu Niangniang (王母娘娘), which means Aunt Queen Mother. One of the most popular of these is Jinmu Yuanjun (金母元君), which means ‘Primordial Lady Golden Mother’. Even in Chinese mythology, Xiwangmu is known by a number of titles. In Japan, for instance, she is called Seiobo, whilst in Korea, she is referred to as Seowangmo. Xiwangwu is still worshipped by the Chinese today, and has even been incorporated into popular culture.Īlthough Xiwangmu is originally a Chinese goddess, she is also worshipped in other East Asian countries. In addition, there are many artistic representations of Xiwangwu, and she is often portrayed in paintings and sculptures.
In some of these legends, certain historical figures are said to have had the opportunity to encounter Xiwangmu. Xiwangmu is considered to be one of the most prominent female deities in early Chinese mythology, and her importance continued in later times as well.ĭue to her significance in Chinese folk religion, Xiwangwu appears in many myths and legends. Xiwangmu (西王母), whose name means ‘Queen Mother of the West’ is a goddess in the Taoist pantheon, and worshipped in Chinese folk religion.