Chi You
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Template:Message boxTemplate:Chinesename koreanname In Chinese and Korean mythology, Chi You is a war deity. For Hmongs, Chi You is a sagacious mythical king. And some Koreans see Chi You as a mythical emperor of ancient Korea, mythology of which is either traditional or formed in 20th century.
Mythology
Along with Yan Di and Huang Di, Chi You is deity in Hmong mythology, Chi You was the mythical leader of the Hmongs, and once a follower of Yan Di. When Huang Di subdued Yan Di, Chi You was weary of the suppression and conspired with Yan Liang, another deity. Soon, Hmong and Han clashed in the battle of Zhuolu.
According to Chinese mythological book Shan Hai Jing, Chi You, with Giants, Guryeo (Hmong) people and evil spirits, rebelled against Huang Di at Zhuolu plains. Both sides used magical powers, but Chi You had the advantage because his troops were armed with forged swords and halberds. Using his power (perhaps a mythological explanation of meteorology used in warfare), Chi You covered the battle field in thick fog. Only with the help of a magical compass chariot (South Pointing Chariot) could Huang Di's troops could find their way through the mist. He also used his daughter Nü Ba, the Goddess of Drought, to harm Chi You's troops. Later on, Chi You suffered more defeats and was captured. Only Ying Long, the winged dragon, being a brave servant of Huang Di, dared to slay him. Chi You's chains were transformed into acorn trees, while Ying Long was cursed to remain on earth forever.
Other mythology states that Chi You had 81 brothers, and was a grotesque looking creature: he had six arms, four eyes, the head and hooves resembled an ox and his head was made of metal (copper and iron, mentioned 銅頭鐵額). He only ate stones and pebbles; therefore his teeth were almost unbreakable. One of his achievements was the first use of metal weapons in warfare. He is said to have forged the first swords from bronze or copper. He was violent and no one could defeat him.
Historical records
According to Chinese history record Records of the Grand Historian, Liu Bang worshipped at Chi You's shrine before the last battle against Xiang Yu and won.
Across the Eastern Asia, many people had worshipped Chi You as the guardian deity. Those include Joseon Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
Figure in Korea
According to Korean controversial history book Hwandan Gogi written by Gye Yeonsoo in 1911, Chi You was 14th Emperor, named Jaoji-Hwanoong, of the Empire of Baedal, which was to be succeeded by Go-Joseon, as the book says. He ruled the Empire during 109 years, from 2707 BC to 2599 BC. The book claims that Chi You's grave was in present Shandong province of China, and that in July, the red flag, the symbol of Chi You's army appeared on top of his grave.
Chi You, also called "Chiu-Cheonhwang" in Korea, is the mascot of the Red Devils, the supporters' group to the South Korea national football team.ko:치우 ja:蚩尤 zh:蚩尤