As an ordinary Chinese person, my first encounter with the Shanhaijing (Classic of Mountains and Seas) began with the bizarre and fascinating myths my elders shared during my childhood. Back then, I thought this book held a mysterious world—one with giants chasing the sun, birds carrying stones to fill the sea, tigers with nine heads, and phoenixes bringing good fortune. As an adult, when I finally read this ancient text, hailed as “one of the three great classical Chinese texts,” I realized it is not only a treasure trove of myths but also a testament to the ancient Chinese people’s romantic imagination and exploration of the world.
Compiled during the pre-Qin period by unknown authors, the Shanhaijing has transcended time with its extraordinary content. Divided into the Mountain Classic and the Sea Classic, the book describes hundreds of mountains, rivers, and the mythical creatures, gods, and spirits that inhabit them. Here, you will find the Taotie—a beast with the body of a sheep, a human face, and eyes under its armpits—or the nine-tailed fox whose voice resembles a baby’s cry. There is also Xingtian, a warrior who continues to dance with a shield and axe even after his head is severed. These strange and vivid images form the foundation of Chinese mythology.
To me, the Shanhaijing’s allure lies not only in its fantasy but also in its profound influence on Chinese thinking. Many familiar Chinese idioms and stories, such as “Kuafu Chasing the Sun” and “Jingwei Filling the Sea,” originate from this text. They are not just tales but symbols of the Chinese nation’s perseverance and spirit of exploration. Additionally, the Shanhaijing’s geographical descriptions, though imaginative, reflect ancient people’s observations and reverence for nature. For example, its speculation about the sources of the Yellow River and Yangtze River, while scientifically inaccurate today, embodies the ancients’ efforts to understand their world.
As an ordinary reader, I may not fully grasp all the mysteries of the Shanhaijing, but its profound impact and wonder are undeniable. Whenever I read about its gods, monsters, and strange beasts, I marvel at the boundless imagination of our ancestors. In modern times, the Shanhaijing remains a wellspring of creativity, inspiring films, animations, and video games. For me, this book is like a key that unlocks the door to ancient Chinese culture, allowing me to experience the poetic interpretations of the world by our forebears, even amidst the concrete jungles of modern cities.
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