960 A.D. - ? Taiwan goddess. Protector of fishermen. At her birth on an island off Fu-Kien, a bright light shone in the northwest and an enchanting fragrance filled the bedchamber. At 28, saved her brother by calming the sea; unfortunately her father was lost in the shipwreck. For this and other miracles, she was apotheosized Goddess of the Sea, and her soul ascended to Heaven. Originally considered to rule only the sea, the island eventually also fell into her domain. 1122 - 1839, various Chinese emperors conferred 22 different titles on Matzu. No fisherman leaves Taiwan's shores without invoking her blessings, and none returns without giving thanks. Her worship has spread from fishermen to many other Taiwan folk.