Introduction
Da Yu the Great is the wisest flood-control hero in Chinese mythology, celebrated for his dedication symbolized by “passing his home three times without entering”. Representing humanity’s scientific spirit in transforming nature, he is often depicted as a practical leader holding a plow and wearing a bamboo hat. As both the Xia Dynasty founder from Shangshu and a cultural predecessor of global flood management, his legend bridges myth and reality.
Origin
Yu’s prototype first appeared in Shangshu·Yugong (《尚书·禹贡》), solidified in Records of the Grand Historian·Xia Benji (《史记·夏本纪》). Legend states he was a great-grandson of Yellow Emperor, granted the throne by Emperor Shun for taming the Yellow River. Warring States Han Feizi detailed his “carving Longmen Gorge” project, while Han Dynasty Huainanzi linked him to mythical beings like Yinglong and River God. Modern archaeology connects his tale to the Yellow River’s 2000 BCE course change.
Plot Overview
- Flood Crisis: Nine consecutive years of Yellow River flooding submerged farmlands and villages
- Hydraulic Strategy:
- Shifted from damming (abandoning father Gun’s method)
- Carved Longmen Gorge, dredged nine rivers (precursor to modern Sanmenxia Dam)
- Used “magic soil” (息壤) to reinforce levees
- Ecological Governance:
- Divided China into nine provinces (geographical administrative prototype)
- Established “Yugong” tax system (agricultural economic foundation)
- Legacy: Sacrificed family visits during the 13-year project, his son Qi founding the Xia Dynasty
Relationships
- Gun (鲧): Father, exiled for failed flood control
- Shun (舜): Sage emperor who abdicated the throne to Yu
- Yinglong (应龙): Divine dragon assisting in river dredging
- Tushan Clan (涂山氏): Wife, legendary nine-tailed white fox
Literary Sources
- Shangshu·Yugong (《尚书·禹贡》, Pre-Qin): Earliest flood-control record
- Records of the Grand Historian·Xia Benji (《史记·夏本纪》, Western Han): Details project and abdication
- Commentary on the Waterways Classic (《水经注》, Northern Wei): Chronicles specific watercourses
Folk Festivals & Customs
- Yu’s Birthday Sacrifice (6th day of the 6th lunar month)
- Global Chinese gather at Shaoxing Yu Mausoleum for公祭
- Perform “Yu Wang Captures the Flood Dragon” opera to warn against floods
- River Opening Festival (5th Wu day after Start of Spring)
- Yellow River basin residents simulate dredging for waterway blessings
Spiritual Significance
Yu embodies the unity of scientific flood control and humanistic care:
- Pragmatism respecting natural laws (channeling over blocking)
- Altruism prioritizing collective welfare
- Integration of engineering wisdom and institutional innovation
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