Chinese Mythology

The Folk Gods and Spirits of the Middle Kingdom

ERLANG SHEN

Chinese Hero God

Also known as Er-Lang Shen, Erh-Lang, Li Erlang

Picture of the Chinese Hero God Erlang Shen from our Chinese mythology image library. Illustration by Chas Saunders.

Mighty morphin' Demon Slayer

Nephew of the Jade Emperor, he specializes in outwitting demons and evil spirits. With seventy-two separate disguises in his dressing room, they seldom spot him coming.

Erlang Shen was called in by Heaven to subdue the troublesome Monkey, which he attempted to do with great confidence. But pride comes before a fall and he failed most miserably, not realizing that the Monkey King was just as adept at the seventy-two transformations and had a much bigger stick.

Erlang Shen is also a mortal enemy of Zhang Xian. We don’t know why, but we aim to find out. There are giveaway hints however. He has a third eye in the middle of his forehead on which an eyepatch would be out of place, and he favors a three-bladed spear and rather swirly clothes. Also his black hound will never be far away.

Erlang Shen Facts and Figures

Name: Erlang Shen
Pronunciation: Uh Larng
Alternative names: Er-Lang Shen, Erh-Lang, Li Erlang

Gender: Male
Type: God
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role:
In charge of: Heroics
Area of expertise: Hero

Good/Evil Rating: NEUTRAL, may not care
Popularity index: 7365

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Article last revised on September 25, 2018 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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