Leizu is believed to have been born in Xiling, a region whose exact location is debated but generally placed somewhere in modern-day Sichuan province. While details surrounding her birth are scarce due to the era's reliance on oral tradition and later written accounts, her origins in Xiling are consistently maintained, linking her to a specific geographical area and perhaps, to pre-existing knowledge or traditions related to the local flora and fauna.

Leizu's life took a significant turn when she became the wife of the Yellow Emperor, Huangdi, one of the Five Emperors and a pivotal figure in Chinese mythology. This union was not merely a personal connection; it symbolized the merging of different tribal or clan groups, contributing to the formation of a unified Chinese civilization. Her marriage to the Yellow Emperor elevated her status significantly and placed her at the center of political and cultural developments.

The most famous legend associated with Leizu is her discovery of the silkworm and the process of extracting silk fibers. The story states that Leizu observed silkworms feeding on mulberry leaves and noticed the strong, shimmering threads they produced. Intrigued, she gathered the cocoons, experimented with unwinding them, and eventually invented the silk reel to weave the fibers into cloth. While the exact details are mythologized, this discovery is attributed to her curiosity and ingenuity and represents the genesis of silk production in China.

Leizu is not only credited with discovering silk but also with developing the rudimentary techniques for sericulture. This included cultivating mulberry trees (the silkworms' food source), raising silkworms, reeling the silk from the cocoons, and weaving the silk threads into cloth. This period represents the transition from observation to practical application, demonstrating Leizu's active role in establishing sericulture as a viable industry.

As empress, Leizu actively promoted the cultivation of silk throughout the Yellow Emperor's domain. She taught women the art of sericulture, ensuring the widespread adoption of this new skill and the proliferation of silk production. This highlights her role as an educator and leader, contributing significantly to the economic and cultural development of early Chinese society. Silk became a valuable commodity, used for clothing, trade, and even as a form of currency.

In her later years, Leizu’s influence extended beyond sericulture. She became a symbol of domestic virtue, hard work, and innovation. Her role as the Yellow Emperor's wife further solidified her position as a central figure in Chinese cultural narratives. Stories about her life and contributions were passed down through generations, cementing her legacy as a legendary empress and the 'Goddess of Silk.'