Chinese often refer to themselves as the
descendants of Yandi and Huangdi. This refers to the legendary heroes Yandi and
Huangdi. Over 4,000 years ago, there lived many clans and tribes in Yellow River
Valley. Among them were the two most prominent tribes led by Huangdi and Yandi.
The east of Yellow River valley was the territory of the Jiuli tribe, with Chiyou
as its chieftain. It is said that Jiuli people had all kinds of weapons, and were
a warlike group.
Legend has it that the Jiuli attacked Yandi's tribe for larger territory. The latter
was defeated, and turned to Huangdi for help. Huangdi allied himself with Yandi,
and defeated Chiyou at a place called Zhuolu (in today's Hebei province). During
the battle, a dense mist descended, and all was in confusion. However, on his chariot,
Huangdi had an instrument which constantly pointed south. In this way, he rallied
the allied forces. Finally, Chiyou was captured and killed.
After the Battle of Zhuolu, conflicts arose between the tribes of Huangdi and Yandi
for control of all the tribes. At last, Huangdi prevailed, and ruled over all the
tribes of the Central Plains. Eventually, they merged their language, customs, and
production and living habits, to form the Huaxia people.
The Huaxia people were the predecessors of Han people, and the principle part of
Chinese nation. The Huaxia people regarded Huangdi and Yandi as their ancestors,
and called themselves the descendants of Yandi and Huangdi.
Reference data
The "Three Kings & Five Emperors"
The "Three Kings" referred to Suiren, Fuxi and Shennong, legendary kings in ancient
China. The "Five Emperors" were legendary emperors of ancient China, later than
the "Three Kings", namely, Huangdi, Zhuanxu, Diku, Yao and Shun.
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