Laozi
老子
The Old Master — founder of philosophical Taoism and author of the Tao Te Ching.
Origin Story
The Old Master's Life
Little is known with certainty about Laozi's life. According to tradition, he was born in the state of Chu and served as a court archivist (Shi, 史) of the Zhou Dynasty. He was renowned for his wisdom and lived a long life — some accounts say 141 years, others even longer.
Laozi (literally "Old Master") is the legendary founder of philosophical Taoism and the supposed author of the Tao Te Ching. According to legend, he served as a court archivist of the Zhou Dynasty, then departed China riding a water buffalo. Taoist tradition later deified him as Taishang Laojun, the third of the Three Pure Ones.
Powers & Symbols
Attributes & Artefacts
Click each card to reveal the details behind Laozi's divine attributes.
Magical Artifacts & Weapons
Laozi's Divine Arsenal
The legendary weapons and treasures wielded by Laozi — each with its own origin story, powers, and mythological significance.
Historical & Cultural Meaning
Beyond the Myth
Departure and the Tao Te Ching
According to the most famous legend, the gatekeeper Yin Xi (尹喜) at the western pass Hangu recognized Laozi as a sage and begged him to write down his teachings before departing. Laozi composed the 5,000-character Tao Te Ching in a single night, then disappeared into the western wilderness riding a water buffalo, never to be seen again.
The Tao Te Ching
The Tao Te Ching (道德經, "Classic of the Way and Virtue") is one of the foundational texts of Chinese philosophy. In 81 short chapters, it expounds the nature of the Tao, the principle of wu wei (non-action), the dangers of excessive desire, and the wisdom of yielding. Its opening line — "The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao" — remains one of the most famous philosophical statements in history.
Deification as Taishang Laojun
In later Taoist tradition, Laozi was deified as Taishang Laojun (太上老君, "Supreme Elder Lord"), the third of the Three Pure Ones who govern the cosmos. He is venerated in Taoist temples throughout China, particularly as the patron of alchemy and the keeper of the celestial furnace that forges divine weapons.
Mythology Network
Connections & Relationships
Laozi is woven into a larger web of gods, creatures, and legends. Explore the connections below.
Laozi
老子
Taishang Laojun
The deified Laozi — founder of Taoism and supreme alchemist of heaven.
Yuanshi Tianzun
The Heavenly Lord of Primordial Beginning — the supreme Taoist deity.
Lingbao Tianzun
The Heavenly Lord of Numinous Treasure — the second of the Three Pure Ones.