Tale of the Three Sovereigns

The Tale of the Three Sovereigns refers to a legendary story from ancient Chinese mythology that narrates the lives and deeds of three semi-divine rulers known as the Three Sovereigns. These figures—often identified as the Heavenly Sovereign, Earthly Sovereign, and Human Sovereign—are credited with creating essential aspects of civilization, such as agriculture, medicine, and governance. Their tales embody moral lessons, emphasizing harmony with nature and the importance of wisdom in leadership. These stories are foundational in Chinese cultural history and symbolize the transition from mythological to historical narratives in early Chinese civilization.