X is for Xing Tian

Name: Xing Tian, Xingtian
Area of Origin: China

Xing Tian is a deity found in Chinese mythology. The story goes that the giant Xing Tian was originally a follower of Emperor Yan, also possibly known as Shennong, or the Emperor of the Five Grains. In Yan's defeat at the hands of the Yellow Emperor Huangdi at the Battle of Banquan, the legendary first battle in Chinese history, Xing Tian followed his master to exile in the south. Xing Tian later went with his axe and shield against the Yellow Emperor, forcing his way to the southern gate of the Celestial Court and issued a duel against his master's victor. The two engaged in close combat on Earth at ChangYang mountain. In a final attack, the Emperor distracted Xing Tian with a trick and lunged, decapitating the formidable giant, his head rolling all the way down to the base of the mountain. Instead of dying, Xing Tian was able to keep moving and began groping about for his lost head. The Emperor then struck the mountain, splitting it open as the giant's head rolled in, and closed it again. Xing Tian eventually gave up looking for his head and instead opted to use his nipples as his new eyes and his navel as his mouth, and continued to fight. The deity symbolizes the indomitable spirit which never surrenders and maintains the will to resist no matter the adversity one may encounter.