Is “The last Flame Emperor was named Yuwang” true?

novel invention

In many later compilations of ancient myths or popular historical romances, the last Yan Emperor defeated by the Yellow Emperor is often referred to as 'Yuwang'. However, a search through all early classical texts such as Records of the Grand Historian, Classic of Mountains and Seas, and Huainanzi yields no such designation as 'Yuwang'. For instance, Records of the Grand Historian, Annals of the Five Emperors only records: 「炎帝欲侵陵诸侯,诸侯咸归轩辕。轩辕乃修德振兵,治五气,艺五种,抚万民,度四方,教熊罴貔貅䝙虎,以与炎帝战于阪泉之野。」 This name is actually an addition from later texts, and no such person exists in early historical sources.

Yan Emperor

The Battle of Banquan is recorded in history, but the name Yuwang was added by later generations.

Other claims about Yan Emperor

Sources cited above. Compiled with AI assistance and checked against those sources; for cultural reference.Data & method →

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