Mentions in Literature and Legend
Zhou is mentioned in the Confucian Analects (zizhang); and, also, in the Three Character Classic. Zhou is also one of the main subjects of Fengshen Yanyi, as mentioned above, together with representation in various derived popular media. Thus, Di Xin, also known as Zhou, has served as a (negative) exemplar of Confucian principles (presented as the bad ruler who justifies regime change according to the Mandate of Heaven), as well as becoming an icon of popular culture. This makes for a biographically interesting figure, but one challenging a clear distinction between history, legend, and philosophical point-making.
In Fengshen Yanyi, Zhou visits Goddess Nüwa's temple and offends the Goddess with his lustrous comments on her beauty. Being offended, Nüwa decides that Shang dynasty should end and sends her three subordinates to become three beautiful women (including Daji) to bewitch Zhou. Under the influence of these women, Zhou becomes a ruthless king, loses the support of people and makes his downfall.
Read more about this topic: King Zhou Of Shang
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