Rao (New Earth)

Rao was the name attributed to a divine entity observed in Kryptonian religious practices. In Krypton’s ancient past, Rao was regarded as a god of the sun, and as such, Krypton's star was named in his honor. Erok-El, founder of the El family dynasty considered beings born with red hair a sign of Rao's divine influence and made it a common practice that all male citizens with red hair were automatically accepted into the Kryptonian military.

The Kryptonian leader, Jaf-El, later established a monotheistic culture, wherein Rao was the sole god of all of Krypton. Churches were established in Rao's name and it was common for people of reputable bearing to procure lives for themselves as priests of Rao. Those who follow the path of Rao are often referred to as Raoists.

Known priests of Rao

 * Yu-El

Modern interpretation
In the Post-Crisis continuity, Rao was regarded as a mythological figure, whose influence ebbed some time during the 6th historical epoch. Members of the Kryptonian Science Council attempted to revitalize interest in the church of Rao as a means of destabilizing a rival religious faction led by the pacifist Sen-M.

Trivia

 * Rao was also the name of a god of peace in the World of Greyhawk setting for the Dungeons and Dragons role playing game.


 * Rao is a common surname in China and Taiwan.