Chinese mythology

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Chinese Mythology is a collection of cultural history, folktales, and religions that have been passed down in oral or written form. There are several aspects to Chinese mythology, including creation myths and legends and myths concerning the founding of Chinese culture and the Chinese state. Like many mythologies, some people believe it to be a factual recording of history. Many myths are better known in the US by their Japanese versions.

Historians have conjectured that the Chinese mythology began in 12th century B.C. (close to the time of the Trojan War). The myths and legends were passed down in oral format for over a thousand years, before being written down in early books such as Shui Jing Zhu and Shan Hai Jing. Other myths continued to be passed down through oral traditions such as theatre and song, before being recorded in the form of novels such as Fengshen Yanyi.

Contents

[edit] Records of Myths

in their settled forms. Most myths extant today are derived from their recording in these works.

  • Shan Hai Jing - Literally Mountain and Sea Scroll, the Shan Hai Jing describes the myths, witchcraft, and religion of the ancient China in great details and also has a record of the geography, sea and mountain, history, medicine, customs, and ethnicities in ancient time. It has been called an early encyclopedia of China. In Wu Chinese, "talking about the Shan Hai Jing" is an idiom meaning gossip or idle chats.
  • Shui Jing Zhu - Literally Commentaries on the Water Scroll, this work began as commentaries on the briefer work of the Water Scroll, but became famous of its own accord because of its extensive record of geography, history, and associated legends.
  • Hei'an Zhuan - Literally Epic of the Darkness, this is the only collection of legends in epic form preserved by a community of the Han nationality of China, namely, inhabitants of the Shennongjia mountain area in Hubei, containing accounts from the birth of Pangu till the historical era.
  • Imperial historical documents and philosophical canons such as Shangshu, Shiji, Liji, Lushi Chunqiu, and others.

Some myths survive in theatrical or literary formats, as plays or novels. Important mythological fiction which is seen as definitive records of these myths include:

  • Verse poetry of ancient states such as Lisao by Qu Yuan of the Chu state.
  • Fengshen Yanyi (封神演義), or Anointing of the Gods, which is mythological fiction dealing with the founding of the Zhou dynasty.
  • Journey to the West, by Wu Cheng'en, a fictionalised account of the pilgrimage of Xuanzang to India, in which the pilgrims encounter a variety of ghosts, monsters, and demons.
  • Baishe Zhuan, a romantic tale set in Hangzhou involving a snake who attained human form and fell in love with a man.

[edit] Myths and Legends

[edit] Creation myths

A unique characteristic of Chinese culture is the relatively late appearance in Chinese literature of creation myths. Those that do exist appear well after the foundation of Confucianism, Taoism, and Folk Religions. The stories exist in several versions, often conflicting, with the creation of the first humans being variously ascribed to Shangdi, Heaven, Nuwa, Pangu, Yu Huang. The following presents common versions of the creation story in roughly chronological order.

Nuwa and Fuxi represented as half-snake, half-human creatures.
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Nuwa and Fuxi represented as half-snake, half-human creatures.
  • Shangdi (上帝), appearing in literature probably about 700 BC, or earlier (the dating of these occurrences depends on the date of the Shujing, aka "Book of History"). There are no "creation" oriented narratives for Shangdi, although the role of a creator is a possible interperatation. Although Shangdi appears to have the attributes of a "person", detailed references to Shangdi as the creator are not explicitly identified until about the Han Dynasty.
  • Tian (天, or Heaven), appearing in literature probably about 700 BC, or earlier (the dating of these occurrences depends on the date of the Shujing, aka "Book of History"). There are no "creation" oriented narratives for 'Heaven', although the role of a creator is a possible interperatation. The qualities of 'Heaven' and Shangdi appear to merge in later literature (and are worshipped as one entity ("皇天上帝") in, for example, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing). The extent of the distinction (if any) between them is debated.
  • Nüwa (女媧), appearing in literature no earlier than about 350 BC, is said to have recreated, or created humanity. Her companion was Fuxi (伏羲), the brother and husband of Nuwa. These two beings are sometimes worshipped as the ultimate ancestor of all humankind. They are often represented as half-snake, half-human creatures. Nüwa was also responsible for repairing the sky after Gong Gong damaged the pillar supporting the heavens (see below).
  • Pangu (盤古), appearing in literature no earlier than about 200 AD, was the first sentient being and creator. In the beginning there was nothing but a formless chaos. Out of this chaos there was born an egg for eighteen thousand years. When the forces of Yin and Yang balanced, Pangu emerged from the egg, and set about the task of creating the world. He separated Yin and Yang with a swing of his great axe. The heavy Yin sank to become the Earth, while the light Yang rose to become the Heavens. Pangu stood between them, and pushed up the sky. At the end of eighteen thousand years, Pangu laid to rest. His breath became the wind; his voice the thunder; left eye the sun and right eye the moon; his body became the mountains and extremes of the world; his blood formed rivers; his muscles the fertile lands; his facial hair the stars and milky way; his fur the bushes and forests; his bones the valuable minerals; his bone marrows sacred diamonds; his sweat fell as rain; and the little creatures on his body (in some versions, the fleas), carried by the wind, became human beings all over the world.
  • Yu Huang (玉皇, or Jade Emperor), including representations such as Yuanshi Tianzun (元始天尊), Huangtian Shangdi (皇天上帝), appear in literature well after the establishment of Taoism in China.

[edit] Three August Ones and Five Emperors

Main article: Three August Ones and Five Emperors

Following on from the age of Nuwa and Fuxi (or cotemporaneous in some versions) was the age of the Three August Ones and Five Emperors (三皇五帝), a collection of legendary rulers who ruled between c. 2850 BC to 2205 BC, which is the time preceding the Xia dynasty.

The list of names comprising the Three August Ones and Five Emperors vary widely between sources (see Three August Ones and Five Emperors for other versions of the list). The version in the widest circulation (and most popularly known) is:

  • The Three August Ones:
    • Fuxi (伏羲) - The companion of Nuwa.
    • Shennong (神农) - Shennong, literally meaning "Divine Farmer", reputedly taught the ancients agriculture and medicine.
    • Huang Di (黄帝) - Huang Di, literally meaning, and commonly known as, the "Yellow Emperor", is often regarded as the first sovereign of the Chinese nation.

(Source: Shangshu (尚书))

  • The Five Emperors:
    • Shaohao (少昊) - Leader of the Dongyi or "Eastern Barbarians"; his pyramidal tomb is in present-day Shandong province.
    • Zhuanxu (颛顼) - Grandson of the Yellow Emeperor
    • Emperor Ku (帝喾) - Great grandson of the Yellow Emperor; nephew of Zhuanxu.
    • Yao (尧) - The son of Ku. His elder brother succeeded Ku, but abdicated when he was found to be an ineffective ruler.
    • Shun (舜) - Yao passed his position to Shun in favour of Yao's own son because of Shun's ability and morality.

These rulers were generally regarded as extremely moral and benevolent rulers, examples to be emulated by latter day kings and emperors. When Qin Shi Huang united China in 221 BC, he felt that his achievements had surpassed those of all the rulers who have gone before him. Hence, he combined the ancient tiles of Huang (皇) and Di (帝) to create a new title, Huangdi (皇帝), usually translated as Emperor.

[edit] Great Flood

Chinese mythology shares with Sumerian, Greek, Mayan, Judaism, and hundreds of traditions a period known as the Deluge or Great Flood. The Chinese ruler Da Yu, with the help of the goddess Nüwa, helped dig the canals that controlled the flood and allowed people to grow crops.



[edit] Deities

The Jade Emperor is believed to be the most important god. The origins of the Jade Emperor and how he came to be regarded as a deity are unknown. Also known as Yu Huang Shang-ti, his name means “the August Personage of Jade.” He is considered to be the first god and to be in charge of all the gods and goddesses. Many myths of well-known gods and goddesses who were in charge of differentulture exist, although they all answer to the Jade Emperor.

The Chinese dragon is one of the most important mythical creatures in Chinese mythology. The Chinese dragon is considered to be the most powerful and divine creature and is believed to be the controller of all waters. The dragon symbolised great power and was very supportive of heroes and gods. One of the most famous dragons in Chinese mythology is Ying Long, or "Responding Dragon". He is said to be the god of rain. Many people in different places pray to him in order to receive rain. In Chinese mythology, dragons are believed to be able to create clouds with their breath. Chinese people often use the term "Descendants of the Dragon" as a sign of ethnic identity.

For the most part, Chinese myths involve moral issues which inform people of their culture and values. There are many stories that can be studied or excavated in China.

Dragon-gods, from Myths and Legends of China, 1922 by E. T. C. Werner
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Dragon-gods, from Myths and Legends of China, 1922 by E. T. C. Werner

[edit] Religion and mythology

There has been extensive interaction between Chinese mythology and the major belief systems of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. (see Religion in China)

On the one hand, elements of pre-existing mythology were adapted into these belief systems as they developed (in the case of Taoism), or were assimilated into Chinese culture (in the case of Buddhism). On the other hand, elements from the teachings and beliefs of these systems became incorporated into Chinese mythology. For example, the Taoist belief of a spiritual paradise became incorporated into mythology, as the place where immortals and deities dwell. Meanwhile, the myths of the benevolent rulers of the past, in the form of the Three August Ones and Five Emperors became a part of the Confucian political philosophy of Primitivism.

[edit] Taoist mythology

[edit] Buddhist mythology

[edit] Folk religion mythology

[edit] Important mythologies and deities

  • Three Pure Ones(三清) the Daoist trinity
    • 元始天尊
    • 靈寶天尊
    • 道德天尊
  • Four Emperors(四御) heavenly kings of Daoist religion
    • Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝, supreme ruler of all)
    • Beiji Dadi (中天紫微北极大帝, ruler of stars)
    • Tianhuang Dadi (勾陈上宫天皇大帝 ruler of gods)
    • Empress of Earth (后土皇地祇)
  • Xi Wangmu(西王母): Mother queen of the west，empress who holds the secret to everlasting life
  • God of North (北帝, 真武大帝) (Bei Di, Pak Tai)
  • Xuan Nü (玄女) goddess who assisted Huang Di (黃帝) to subdue Chi You (蚩尤).
  • Eight Immortals (八仙)Daoist
    • He Xiangu (何仙姑)
    • Cao Guojiu (曹國舅)
    • Tie Guaili (鐵拐李)
    • Lan Caihe (藍采和)
    • Lu Dongbin (呂洞賓)
    • Han Xiang Zi (韓湘子)
    • Zhang Guo Lao (張果老)
    • Zhongli Quan (漢鍾離)
  • Deities of Buddhist origin
    • Guan Yin (觀音) (觀音菩薩, also Kuan Yin) Goddess of compassion and mercy
    • Laughing Buddha (彌勒菩薩), Popular Buddhist deity; god of happiness and wealth
    • Dizang (地藏菩薩), rescuer of the dead.
    • Yanluo (閻羅 yan2luo2) ruler of Hell (short from 閻魔羅社 Sanskrit Yama Raja).
    • Four Heavenly Kings (四大天王) Four buddhist guardian gods
  • Erlang Shen (二郎神)
  • Lei Gong (雷公) god of thunder
  • Nezha (哪吒)
  • Guan Yu (關聖帝君), God of Brotherhoods. God of martial power. Also revered as God of War in that time.
  • Zhao Gongming(赵公明), God of Wealth; Rides on a Tiger.
  • Bi Gan(比干), also God of Wealth.
  • Kui Xing (魁星) God of examinations
  • Sun Wukong (孫悟空) The Monkey King from the story Journey to the West
  • Daoji (道濟)
  • Matsu (妈祖), Goddess of the Sea，also known as queen of heaven (天后)
  • Zao Jun (灶君)popular god(s) of the Kitchen.
  • Tu Di Gong (土地公), the land god(s)
  • Shing Wong (城隍) is gods responsible for the affairs in a city
  • Zhong Kui (鍾馗) or Jung Kwae mythical person reputed for subjugating demons.
  • Lung Mo (龍母)
  • Hung Shing (洪聖)
  • Tam Kung, sea god
  • Wong Tai Sin(黃大仙)
  • Meng Po (孟婆)
  • Three August Ones and Five Emperors (三皇五帝), a collection of legendary rulers
  • Zhu Rong (祝融): God of fire. Defeated Gong Gong.
  • Gong Gong (共工): God of water, during the fight with God of Fire, he crushed Mount Buzhou, broke the sky, which was then patched by Nuwa.
  • Chi You (蚩尤 chi1 you2): War god. Inventor of metal weapons. Nemesis of Huang Di.
  • Da Yu (大禹): Da Yu regulates the courses of rivers (to control floods)
  • Kua Fu -- Kua Fu chases the sun. (夸父追日)
  • Cangjie (倉頡): Cangjie creates the characters.
  • Hou Yi (后羿 hou4 yi4): A great archer hero who shot down suns. (See note in solar deity)
  • Chang E(嫦娥) Yi's wife. Goddess of the Moon.
  • The Cowherd and Weaver Girl.
  • Han Ba (旱魃), Ancient goddess of drought.
  • Wenchang Wang (文昌王)
  • Gao Yao: God of justice and judgement.
Spirit of the well, from Myths and Legends of China, 1922 by E. T. C. Werner
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Spirit of the well, from Myths and Legends of China, 1922 by E. T. C. Werner

[edit] Mythical creatures

  • Ba She (巴蛇 ba1she2) a snake reputed to swallow elephants
  • Birds:
    • Fenghuang (Chinese Phoenix)
    • Ji Guang (吉光 ji2guang1)
    • Jian (鶼 jian1) A mythical bird supposed to have only one eye and one wing: 鶼鶼 a pair of such birds dependent on each other, inseparable, hence, represent husband and wife.
    • Jingwei (精衛) a mythical bird which tries to fill up the ocean with twigs and pebbles.
    • Shang-Yang (a rainbird)
    • Nine-headed Bird Used to scare children.
    • Su Shuang (鷫鵊 su4shuang3) a mythical bird, also variously described as a water bird, like the crane.
    • Peng (鵬, a mythical bird of giant size and terrific flying power) Also known as Chinese roc.
    • Qing Niao (青鳥 qing1niao3) a mythical bird, the messenger of Xi Wangmu.
    • Zhu (a bad omen)
  • Chinese dragon
    • Yinglong, a powerful servant of Huang Di.
    • Dragon King
    • Fucanglong, the treasure dragon
    • Shenlong, the rain dragon
    • Dilong, the earth dragon
    • Tianlong, the celestial dragon
    • Li (hornless dragon), lesser dragon of the seas. Is hornless.
    • Jiao (Dragon), another hornless dragon. Lives in the swamps. The lowest dragon.
  • Qilin (in Japanese, Kirin), chimeric animal with several variations. Originally referred to the giraffe.
  • Long Ma (龍馬) Similar to the Qilin- the dragon-horse.
  • Kui (夔 kui2) a mythical one legged monster.
  • Kun (鯤 kun1) a mythical giant monstrous fish.
  • Hopping corpse (aka Jiang Shi)
  • Luduan can detect truth.
  • Yaoguai - demons.
  • Fox Spirit
  • Nian, the beast
  • Ox heads & horse faces 牛頭馬面 messenger boy in Hell.
  • Pixiu (貔貅)
  • Rui Shi (瑞獅)
  • Tao Tie (饕餮 tao1tie4) a mythical gargoyle like figure, often found on ancient bronze vessels, representing greed. It is said to be the fifth son of dragon and has such an appetite that it even eats its head.
  • Xiao (魈 xiao1) A mythical mountain spirit or demon.
  • Xiezhi (獬豸) an unicorn beast
  • The Xing Tian (刑天 "punished one" or "he who was punished by heaven") is a headless giant. He was decapitated by the Yellow Emperor as punishment for challenging him. Because he has no head, his face is in his torso. He wanders around fields and roads and is often depicted carrying a shield and an axe and doing a fierce war dance.

[edit] Mythical places

  • Xuanpu (玄圃 xuan2pu3), a mythical fairyland on Kunlun Mountain (崑崙).
  • Yaochi (瑤池 yao2chi2), abode of immortals where Xi Wang Mu lives.
  • Fusang (扶桑 fu2sang1), a mythical island, often interpreted as Japan.
  • Queqiao (鵲橋 que4qiao2) the bridge formed by birds across the Milky Way.
  • Penglai (蓬萊 peng2lai2) the paradise, a fabled Fairy Isle on the China Sea.
  • Longmen (龍門 long2men2) the dragon gate where a carp can transform into a dragon.
  • Di Yu (地獄 di4yu4) the Chinese hell

[edit] Literary sources of Chinese mythology

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

Topics in Chinese mythology
v • d • e
General topics: Creation myth · Astrology · Dragons · Religion in China · Folk religion ·List of deities · I Ching
Important beings: Deities · Three August Ones and Five Emperors
Eight Immortals: Zhongli Quan · Lü Dongbin · Elder Zhang Guo · Philosopher Han Xiang
Iron-crutch Li · Immortal Woman He · Lan Caihe · Royal Uncle Cao
Mythical creatures: List of mythical creatures
Mythical places: Xuanpu · Yaochi · Fusang · Queqiao · Penglai · Longmen · Di Yu
Literary sources: Shan Hai Jing · Shui Jing Zhu · Hei'an Zhuan · Fengshen Yanyi
Journey to the West · Baishe Zhuan · Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio
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