Description
Book SynopsisChinese mythology has been passed down in written and oral form over many millennia, emerging from a range of cultural traditions that often have their origins in Daoism and Buddhist religion. At times merging history and folklore, Chinese myths are rich in symbolism and teach us about the complexities of an ancient culture that stretches back more than 4000 years.
In this book, learn about Pangu, the creator being, who sprang from an egg after the forces of yin and yang emerged out of a formless chaos; or Hou Yi, the greatest archer of all time who shot down nine of the ten suns; or Fuzanglong, the treasure dragons, who are said to live underground guarding massive hoards of gold and jewels; or the mad monk Ji Gong, a man of great appetites who used his supernatural abilities to seek justice for the poor; and enjoy the adventures of the short-tempered, super-human Monkey King, who after being defeated by the Bodhisattva Guanyin, gains modesty and becomes a disciple of the monk Tank Sanzang.
Illustrated with 120 photographs and artworks, Chinese Myths is an accessible, entertaining and highly informative exploration of the fascinating mythology underlying one of the world’s oldest and most influential cultures.
Table of ContentsIntroduction
Daoist religious background. Influence of Buddhist myth and doctrine.
1. Cosmology
One typical view is of a square earth separated from a round sky by pillars. Above the sky is the Heavenly Realm. Below was a vast underground land, also known as Diyu, Yellow Springs or Hell.
Four Symbols of Chinese cosmology: the Azure Dragon of the East, the Black Tortoise of the North, the White Tiger of the West, and the Vermillion Bird of the South.
Qi: the essential life force out of which everything – inanimate matter, humans and animals, the sky, ideas and emotions, demons and ghosts – is made.
Yin and yang: symbolically, the two sides of anything.
FEATURE: Chinese cosmos: Five Planets and Five Agents; Four Quarters of the Sky; 28 Constellations; Nine Layers of the Sky
FEATURE: Chinese Zodiac animals
2. Creation Myths
These include symbolic narratives include the origins of the universe and everything, the origins of humans, or the origins of specific groups, such as a Han Chinese in descent from Yandi and Huangdi.
Examines sources such as the Tao Te Ching, Songs of Chu, the Daoyuan and Huainanzi. Explores concept of Dao, “the Way”.
Pangu: The first living being and the creator of all in some versions of Chinese mythology.
Nüwa: The goddess Nüwa repaired the fallen pillars holding up the sky, creating human beings either before or after.
3. Heroes and Legends
Mythological emperors: Three Primeval Emperors; Five Premier Emperors; Three Dynasties (Xia, Shang, Zhou)
Houji – cult hero from agricultural background; introduced millet to Xia Dynasty Chiyou – metallurgical engineer, specializing in weaponry
Nuwa and Fuxi (also known as Paoxi) are sometimes worshiped as the ultimate ancestor of all humankind and are often represented as half-snake, half-humans. Shennong and the Flame Emperors
Huangdi, the “Yellow Emperor”
Di Ku – considered the ancestor of the ruling families of certain subsequent dynasties. Yao and Shun were important mythological rulers, exemplars of propriety in rulership FEATURE: The Mad Monk Ji Gong
FEATURE: Gun, Yu and the Great Flood
4. Deities, Spirits and Immortals
Shangdi – the greatest ancestor and deity who controlled victory in battle, harvest, the fate of the capital, and the weather
Jade Emperor – in Chinese culture, traditional religions and myth is one of the representations of the first god
Eight Immortals – said to live on a group of five islands in the Bohai Sea, which includes Mount Penglai.
Astronomical deities: Xihe, goddess of the sun; Kua Fu, a giant who followed the sun; Houyi and the Ten Suns; Changxi, goddess of the moon
Deities of places: Xi Wangmu, meaning Queen Mother of the West; Mazu, goddess of the sea; Xiang River goddesses
Zao Jun, the kitchen god
Gao Yao: ancestor of the imperial house of Li of the Tang dynasty
Tam Kung: sea deity with the ability to forecast weather
Yuqiang: Yellow Emperor's descendant, god of north sea and wind Daoji: compassionate folk hero known for wild and eccentric behaviour FEATURE: Buddhist deities, spirits and Bodhisattvas
5. Mythological Creatures
The Four Intelligents: dragon, the phoenix, the unicorn, and the tortoise
Dragons: considered to be the most powerful and divine creature; Yinglong, god of rain; Zhulong, the Torch Dragon; Dilong, the Earth Dragon; Tianlong, Celestial Dragon
Snakes and reptiles: Ao the tortoise; the hydra Xiangliu
Birds: cranes; Vermillion Bird; Peng; Qingniao; Bi Fang bird; Shang-Yang rainbird Huli jing – fox spirits
Rui Shi – Guardian Lions
Four Fiends: Hundun (chaos), Taotie (gluttony), Taowu (Ignorance), Qiongqi (Deviousness)
FEATURE: The Monkey King – Journey to the West
6. Mythological Plants and Objects
Peaches of Immortality Yao Grass
Eight Treasures Marquis of Sui’s pearl
Nine Tripod Cauldrons
Index
