Shen Nung was one of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors of early Chinese mythology, and is considered the Yan Emperor, one of the founders of Chinese society. He is said to have tasted herbs and plants to find their efficacy, and is said to have saved many lives by teaching the Chinese how to use them for healing.
Although Shen Nung is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Chinese history, his existence has never been proven and he may be partly or wholly mythical.