玄天上帝亦是明朝鎮邦護國之神、降妖伏魔之神、戰神，明朝官府建了許多玄天上帝廟，並由官方祭祀。 北帝據說擁有消災解困，治水禦火，護持武運及延年益壽的神力，故頗受擁戴。
Xuantian Shandi is a Chinese traditional god and also the Northern Emperor, who is said to have the power to eliminate disasters and troubles, control water and fire, protect martial arts and prolong life.