Is the Antarctic Sage the God of Longevity? The Antarctic Sage, also known as the Ancient Sage of the South Pole in ancient mythological tales, is revered as the venerable deity of longevity. He is also known as the True Lord of the South Pole, the Great Emperor of Longevity, and the Jade Clear True King, being one of the nine sons of the Primordial Celestial Emperor. Renowned for his association with longevity, he is often referred to as the “Star of Longevity” or the “Old Man Star”. It is believed that regular offerings to this immortal deity can bestow health and long life upon individuals, embodying a facet of Taoist pursuit for immortality.
According to the records of the Investiture of the Gods, he stands at the forefront among the Twelve Immortals of Kunlun, being affiliated with the Primordial Celestial Venerable at the Jade Void Palace of Mount Kunlun.
The Antarctic Sage resides in the Kunlun Mountains, with disciples named Crane Boy and Deer Boy. He is venerated in Taoism as a divine being that blesses humanity with longevity and prosperity. One of the Three Stars of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity, he is commonly referred to as the Star of Longevity in Chinese folklore. Evolving from ancient worship of celestial bodies, the concept of the Star of Longevity amalgamated elements of the South Pole Elder and the Star of Longevity. The South Pole Elder originally referred to the South Pole Star, with ancient people interpreting its appearance and disappearance as omens of the rise and fall of dynasties. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, ceremonies were held to honor the South Pole Elder Star alongside activities venerating the elderly. Over time, the South Pole Elder Star transformed into an auspicious star believed to bless humanity with longevity.
During the Tang Dynasty, altars were dedicated to the Star of Longevity, concurrently worshiping both the South Pole Star and the Eastern Seven Mansions (constellations). From the Song Dynasty onwards, these two stars gradually merged into one. Initially recognized in Taoism as the South Pole Star, the “True Spiritual Rank Chart” included the “South Pole Elder Danling Upper True” among the positions on the left side of the Supreme Polarity. Subsequently, due to folk traditions, these two stars merged into one entity. Depicted as a white-haired old man with a youthful face, he carries a benevolent countenance and a crooked staff, which invariably exceeds the height of his head. Often depicted in folk art, he symbolizes auspicious longevity.
