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Zhou Dian

Type Figure Region China Time c. 1320–1385 Also known as Zhou Dianxian、Dianxian

Zhou Dian was a legendary Daoist eccentric of the early Ming, known for mad behavior and prophecies, active around the Nanjing court during the Hongw…

Timeline

  1. c. 1360–1368Nanchang · JiangxiLegend holds that Zhou Dian first appeared in Nanchang, disheveled and barefoot, speaking wildly yet repeatedly foretelling fortune and misfortune. He was already known before Zhu Yuanzhang rose to power, and was later brought into the army, drawing attention with his strange appearance.
  2. 1371–1380Yingtian Prefecture · Southern ZhiliAfter the Ming established its capital at Nanjing, Zhou Dian moved about near the palace precincts, sometimes cursing at gatherings, sometimes silent; he often spoke to Zhu Yuanzhang without bowing, and his words frequently came true. Though the founding emperor considered him mad, he repeatedly showed him honor and personally wrote a biography recording his deeds.
  3. 1363–1385Poyang Lake to the northern field headquarters · ChinaLegend holds that Zhou Dian accompanied Zhu Yuanzhang west against Chen Youliang at Poyang Lake and north against the Yuan capital, his prophecies about wind, clear skies, rain, and snow along the way often proving accurate. Later, his rain-making at Jinling and refusal to eat added to his mystique; his ultimate fate is unknown.

Sources