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In Chinese mythology, Chi You (蚩尤; pinyin: chi1you2) is a war deity.
Chi You was the mythical leader of the Hmong or Miao people in Southern China. It is also said that Chi You, among with his 81 brothers, was a grotesque looking creature: he had six arms, four eyes, the head of and hooves of an oxen and his head was made from metal. He only ate stones and pebbles, therefore his teeth were almost unbreakable.
One of his achievements was the first use of metal weapons in warfare. He is said to forge the first swords from bronze or copper. He was rebellious and once served Yan Di or Shen Nong, ruler of the South and Fire. After Yan Di was defeated by Huang Di, Chi You plotted to rebel against Huang Di. His troops consisted of Giants, Hmong people and evil spirits; they fought with Huang Di's at Zhoulu plains. Both sides used magic powers, but Chi You was more powerful because his troops were using forged swords and halberds. Using his power (perhaps a mythological explanation of meteorology used in warfare), Chi You covered the battle field in thick fog. Only with the help of a magical compass chariot, Huang Di's troops could find their way through the mists. He also used his daughter Nü Ba, the Goddess of Drought to harm Chi You's troops even more. Later on, Chi You suffered even more defeats and chained. Nobody but Ying Long, a dragon dared to slay him. Afterwards, Chi You's chains turned into maple trees.
