In Age of Mythology, Xi Wangmu is depicted as a powerful and ancient goddess, deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Chinese mythology. While the game draws from various ancient mythologies, her inclusion signifies her prominent role within the pantheon featured in the Age of Empires series' lore, which encompasses Age of Mythology.
Key Attributes and Mythological Significance
Known as the Queen Mother of the West, Xi Wangmu is a figure of immense power and antiquity. Her presence enriches the mythological depth of the game, highlighting the diverse array of deities players might encounter or learn about within its universe.
Here are some of her defining characteristics:
- Deity Status: She is recognized as a goddess of great power and is considered one of the oldest deities in existence.
- Residence: Her abode is the mythical Mount Kunlun, a significant location in Chinese mythology often associated with immortality and heavenly beings.
- Domain: Xi Wangmu serves as the matriarch of the West, underscoring her authority and influence over that cardinal direction within the mythological framework.
- Counterpart: She is noted to have a counterpart, the Queen Mother of the East, suggesting a balanced cosmological order.
- Historical Attestation: Her ancient origins are evidenced by attestations in Shang oracle bones dating back to the 15th century BCE, indicating her enduring presence in Chinese folklore and religious beliefs.
Her representation in Age of Mythology therefore aligns with her traditional mythological portrayal as an ancient, powerful, and revered figure within the Chinese divine hierarchy.
