Zao Fu

Zao Fu or Tsao Fu (Chinese: 造父; pinyin: Zào Fù) in ancient Chinese Mythology, was an exceptionally skilled charioteer, who is said to have lived around 950 BC.

The Chinese tell the story of King Mu of Zhou, who was determined to visit paradise. He wanted to taste the peaches of immortality there. He found a very brave charioteer named Tsao Fu, who drove eight amazing horses with great skill. Tsao Fu was afraid of nothing—he carried the emperor across the Earth and into the heavens. The emperor finally reached Mount K’uen Lun and tasted the peaches of immortality. His brave charioteer Tsao Fu was carried up to the stars, where both he and his eight horses can be seen among the stars of the constellation Cepheus. The star Zeta Cephei is specifically named after him.

Another story explained Zao Fu as a horseman who brought the emperor Mu Wang to see the Goddess of the West. After arriving, they learnt of an invasion of China and immediately left to defend the country. Following the victory, for Zao Fu's services the Emperor granted Zao Fu a city for his descendants, called Zhao (趙). He is considered the ancestor of the people of the surname Zhao (趙). Zao Fu's clan returned to the annals of Chinese history, coming to power in the Warring States Period, forming the State of Zhao. After the destruction of the state, its peoples emigrated all over the sinosphere through to Korea, Japan, Vietnam, however till today throughout history the Zhaos remain one of the largest surname, splitting into many clans and families.