Who is Zhong Kui, demon hunter, ‘King of Ghosts’ and Black Myth’s new title character?
First came Wukong, now Chinese deity Zhong Kui is being adapted for the Black Myth universe. But just who is the ‘King of Ghosts’?
Arriving in the Black Myth universe on the back of a large, tigerlike beast is Zhong Kui, the title character of Black Myth: Zhong Kui.
The upcoming game is the latest in a franchise that put the Hangzhou, China-based video game developer Game Science on the international gaming scene with its 2024 bestseller Black Myth: Wukong.
His appearance at this year’s Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, has caused a huge stir on Chinese social media, with “Zhong Kui” becoming one of the most widely searched terms on platforms such as Weibo and Bilibili shortly after the new game’s announcement.
But who is Zhong Kui? Here are five things you need to know about the OG ghostbuster and one of the best-known deities in Chinese legend.
The Chinese ghostbuster
One of the most recognisable figures in Chinese mythology, Zhong Kui sports a large black beard, thick bushy eyebrows, bulging eyes and a fierce expression, and swings a mighty sword.
Legend has it that the Taoist deity – whose fearsome appearance is said to ward off even the most malignant of spirits – hunts down and vanquishes ghosts and demons.
Even today, some Chinese families place a statue of Zhong Kui in their home as a form of protection.
The backstory
Zhong Kui was once a brilliant mortal scholar who scored the highest marks on the imperial examinations held in Chang’an (now Xian). However, despite his success, his grotesque and ugly appearance so repulsed the emperor that he stripped Zhong Kui of his rightful honours.
