Long Wang

In Chinese mythology, the four Lóng Wáng (龙王), or Dragon Kings, rule the four seas, each of which correspond to a compass direction. Although their true forms are dragons, they can shapeshift into humans as well as manipulate the weather.

The Lóng Wáng appear as characters in Journey to the West and Investiture of the Gods as well as many other pieces of literature.

Dragon King of the East Sea
The Dōnghǎi Lóngwáng (東海龍王/东海龙王), or Dragon King of the East Sea, is named Ào Guǎng (敖光/敖广).

Journey to the West
In Journey to the West, Sūn Wùkōng finds Ào Guǎng while searching for a fitting weapon. After Wùkōng breaks a sword, a nine-pronged fork, and a halberd, Ào Guǎng's wife suggests that he try the Rúyì Jīn Gū Bàng, which was being used to measure the depth of the sea. She thinks he will not be able to lift it, but Wùkōng masters the Rúyì Jīn Gū Bàng easily.

Investiture of the Gods
In Investiture of the Gods, Ào Guǎng has been causing chaos by manipulating the world's weather. After Nézhā kills Ào Guǎng's third son Áo Bǐng and favorite investigator Lǐ Gèn, Ào Guǎng complains first to Nézhā's father, then the Jade Emperor. Nézhā appears in heaven and beats Ào Guǎng, forcing him to withdraw. Later, Ào Guǎng and the other Lóng Wáng hold Nézhā's parents hostage, trading them back in exchange for Nézhā's internal organs.

Dragon King of the North Sea
The Běihǎi Lóngwáng (北海龙王), or Dragon King of the North Sea, is named Ào Ming (敖明) or Ào Shun (敖顺).

In Journey to the West, Ào Ming is coerced into giving Wùkōng the Ǒusībùyúnlǚ.

Dragon King of the South Sea
The Nánhǎi Lóngwáng (南海龙王), or Dragon King of the South Sea, is named Ào Shun (敖顺) or Ào Qin (敖钦).

Journey to the West
In Journey to the West, Ào Qin is coerced into giving Wùkōng the Fèngchìzǐjinguān.

Investiture of the Gods
In Investiture of the Gods, Ào Qin is mentioned concerning a battle with the Bā Xiān over the death of their servant.

Dragon King of the West Sea
The Xīhǎi Lóngwáng (西海龙王), or Dragon King of the West Sea, is named Ào Ji (敖吉) or Ào Run (敖闰).

In Journey to the West, Ào Run is coerced into giving Wùkōng the golden chain mail.

References/External Links

 * Wu Ch'eng-en, Arthur Waley, Monkey.