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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.

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

Records of Myths

A number of works record ancient Chinese mythology in their settled forms. Most myths extant today are derived from their recording in these works. 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:

Myths and Legends

Creation myths

A unique characteristic of Chinese culture is the relatively late appearance in Chinese literature of creation myths, as shown below. Those that do exist appear well after the foundation of Confucianism, Daoism, and Folk Religions. The stories exist in several versions, often conflicting, i.e: the creation of the first humans is ascribed to Shangdi, Heaven, Nuwa, Pangu, Yu Huang, et. al. As a result, the following presents common versions of the story, and in rough 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.

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:

(Source: Shangshu (尚书))

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.

Great Flood

Chinese mythology shares with Sumerian, Greek, Mayan, Judaism, and other 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.

Xia Dynasty

Shang Dynasty

Other myths and Legends

Deities

Not least of all is deity worship. The Jade Emperor is believed to be the most important god. It is unknown which was the source of the Jade Emperor as a deity, or how he originated. 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 exist that were in charge of different areas of Chinese culture, though they answer to the Jade Emperor.

The Chinese dragon is one of the most important mythical creatures in Chinese mythology. The Chinese dragon is considered the most powerful and divine creature and is believed to be the controller of all of waters. The Dragon-symbolized great power and very supported to 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 pray to him in different places 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. 

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For the most part, Chinese myths often involves 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

Religion and mythology

There have 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.

Taoist mythology

Buddhist mythology

Folk religion mythology

Important mythologies and deities

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

Mythical creatures

Mythical places

Literary sources of Chinese mythology

See also

External links

 

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