姜子牙

Jiang Ziya, also known as Lü Shang, was a historical figure from the 12th to 11th centuries BC, revered as the founding monarch of the Qi state and posthumously known as Duke Tai of Qi. He was not only a military general and strategist but also assisted King Wen of Zhou and King Wu of Zhou in overthrowing the Shang dynasty and establishing the Zhou dynasty. Following the Battle of Muye, Jiang Ziya continued to serve as a Zhou minister and remained loyal to the regent Ji Dan. After Ji Dan quelled the Dongyi rebellion, Jiang Ziya was granted the land of Qi and established his capital at Yingqiu (modern-day Linzi, Zibo, Shandong). He is also celebrated as one of the main heroes in the classic novel 'Investiture of the Gods'. Jiang Ziya's life is full of legendary tales. He served the Shang court in his early years but later went into seclusion due to his dissatisfaction with King Zhou's tyranny. Legend has it that he was discovered by King Wen of Zhou at the age of seventy-two while fishing by the Wei River. He was instrumental in advising King Wen and assisted King Wu in his campaign against the Shang dynasty. Jiang Ziya is considered a prominent figure in Chinese military and political history, and his work on military strategy, the 'Six Secret Teachings', is regarded as one of China's Seven Military Classics. Furthermore, the 2020 Chinese animated film 'Jiang Ziya' features him as the main character, exploring his story with a fox spirit. This movie is a modern adaptation of the mythological figure, giving him a new image and significance.