The Goddess of Wu Mountain, according to myth and legend, was the daughter of the Yan Emperor—or, in some versions, the daughter of the Heavenly Emperor – named Yao Ji. She died before ever marrying and was buried on the southern slope of Wu Mountain.
It is said that during the Warring States period, King Huai of Chu visited Gao Tang and met the Goddess of Wu Mountain in a dream. Later, Song Yu accompanied King Xiang of Chu on a visit to the Yunmeng Terrace pavilion, where they gazed upon the Gao Tang palace complex. Song Yu then composed the “Gao Tang Fu” (Rhapsody on Gao Tang) and the “Shen Nü Fu” (Rhapsody on the Goddess), recounting this legendary encounter. In the “Gao Tang Fu,” the goddess declares:
“I dwell on the sunny side of Wu Mountain, amid lofty hills and barriers.
At dawn I am morning clouds; at dusk I am drifting rain.
Morning after morning, evening after evening, beneath the Yangtai balcony.”
Later generations often used the Goddess of Wu Mountain as a metaphor for earthly beauty and as an allusion to romantic or sexual union between men and women. For example, many Tang dynasty poems reference the Goddess of Wu Mountain, like The Temple of the Wushan Goddess by Liu Yuxi, Ancient Style by Li Bai, High Peaks of Wushan by Li He, and Song of Wushan by Meng Jiao.
Song of Wushan (Tune of the Mountain Goddess) by Meng Jiao describes the famous legend of the Goddess of Wushan, who appeared to the King of Chu in a dream. It is full of misty, mysterious scenery and deep, tender sorrow.
The Ba River winds into gorges, fold on fold;
Twelve green peaks tower by the ancient Yangtai Terrace.The King of Chu met evening rain while hunting here;
He lay on the high hill and dreamed of the goddess fair.Soft mist and rosy clouds damp her lovely face;
The floating clouds depart, the morning stars grow faint.Far I gaze, my heart breaks – she is gone from sight;
Three cries of apes, and tears fall upon my gown.
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