Introduction
Jingwei is the most tenacious symbol in Chinese mythology, celebrated for her relentless quest to “fill the sea with stones”. Representing the indomitable will of the weak against fate, she is often depicted as a divine bird clutching wood and stones in her beak. As both a tragic hero from the Shan Hai Jing (《山海经》) and an ancient reflection of modern environmentalism, her legend inspires perseverance.
Origin
Jingwei’s prototype first appeared in the Shan Hai Jing·Northern Mountain Classic (《山海经·北山经》), solidified in the Eastern Jin In Search of the Supernatural (《搜神记》). Legend states she was originally Nüwa (女娃), the youngest daughter of Yan Emperor (炎帝), transformed into a bird after drowning in the East Sea. Tang Dynasty Youyang Zazu (《酉阳杂俎》) linked her to the Queen Mother of the West (西王母), while Ming Dynasty Investiture of the Gods (《封神演义》) hinted at her as a Jie Sect (截教) immortal. Modern psychology views her as a case study in post-traumatic growth.
Plot Overview
- Tragic Catalyst: Nüwa drowned in the East Sea during a storm
- Avian Rebirth: Her soul transformed into Jingwei, with an iron beak and golden talons
- Marine Endeavor: Daily flew between Western Mountain (西山) and East Sea, dropping stones and branches
- Ecological Impact: Forced the Dragon King of the East Sea (东海龙王) to adjust tidal patterns
Relationships
- Yan Emperor (炎帝): Father, the Fire God (火神) ruling the south
- Dragon King of the East Sea (东海龙王): Antagonist, enmity arising from Nüwa’s death
- Queen Mother of the West (西王母): Granted Jingwei immortality
- Xing Tian (刑天): Fellow Yan Emperor warrior supporting her cause
Literary Sources
- Shan Hai Jing·Northern Mountain Classic (《山海经·北山经》, Pre-Qin): Earliest complete account
- In Search of the Supernatural (《搜神记》, Eastern Jin): Adds “Nüwa’s East Sea excursion” details
- Reading Shan Hai Jing (《读山海经》, Tao Yuanming·Eastern Jin): Praises her with “Jingwei carries tiny twigs to fill the vast sea”
Folk Festivals & Customs
- Dragon Boat Festival (5th day of the 5th lunar month)
- Zhejiang coastal areas hold “Jingwei Sea Sacrifice” (精卫祭海), releasing drift bottles with colored stones
- Make “Jingwei Zongzi” (精卫粽), red bean-filled dumplings symbolizing blood and tears
- Sea-Filling Festival (15th day of the 8th lunar month)
- Fujian Dongshan Island hosts community shell-collecting activities mirroring her spirit
Spiritual Significance
Jingwei embodies the Eastern wisdom of overcoming strength with persistence:
- Infinite power in small forms (twig and stone vs. ocean)
- Eternal pursuit where process outweighs outcome
- Individual tragedy transforming into collective ecological awakening
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