Shennong, translated into English as ‘Divine Farmer’, is a culturally significant legend in China, and speaks of the man Shennong who taught Chinese hunter-gatherers how to farm. He was also essential in the development of traditional Chinese medicine. Shennong is considered one of the Three Sovereigns in China, and thus occupies a space of great importance.
Chinese mythology has it that Shennong was born Jiang Shinian, of a princess who ingested the vapour of a divine dragon. He was born north-east of China’s ancient capital Xian, in the Hua Shan mountains, according to ancient-origins.net.
People knew that he was destined for greatness,
