Hu Ye

Hu Ye (Chinese: 虎爺; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Hó͘-iâ; lit. 'Tiger Deity'), also known as Huye Jiangjun (虎爺將軍; Hó͘-iâ-chiong-kun; 'General Tiger') or Hu Jiangjun (虎將軍; Hó͘-chiong-kun; 'General Tiger'), is a tiger deity in Chinese folk religion. He is usually depicted as a tiger and is worshipped as a guardian deity. Hu Ye is commonly depicted with either black or yellow fur. Traditionally, the Tiger Deity served as a mount for mountain gods, Tudigong (the Earth God), and the City God. In later traditions, he also became associated with Wangye (Royal Lords) and Mazu as their mount. He is also worshipped as a protector of temples, villages, regions, and cities. Hu Ye is also known as Xiatan Jiangjun (下壇將軍; Ē-tôaⁿ-chiong-kun; 'General of the Lower Altar') and Jinhu Jiangjun (金虎將軍; Kim-hó͘-chiong-kun; 'Golden Tiger General').