An ancient directional spirit of the northern celestial quadrant associated with death, this god was known only as Xuanwu 玄武 in the late Warring States period (3rd century BCE). As Xuanwu, he was depicted as a tortoise intertwining with a snake. Xuanwu’s name was altered when the title of Perfected Warrior was conferred on him by the Song emperor, Zhenzong (r. 998-1022). As Zhenwu, he was transformed into a fearless militant with long straight hair. His previous animal incarnations still appeared, although, at his feet or on his robe. Imperial patronage of his cult reached a peak in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), especially during Emperor Yongle’s reign (1403-24).
