Chinese Folklore: The Story of Shun

Historical Background

Shun: One of the Five Emperors, recorded in Records of the Grand Historian as “Chonghua” with state name “Youyu”. The painted dragon plates from Taosi ruins (2300-1900 BCE) confirm the existence of his clan. His filial piety first appeared in Shangshu·Yao Dian.

Mythological Evolution

1. Filial prototype: Oracle bone script “孝” reflects ancestor worship
2. Abdication legend: Mencius·Wanzhang details Yao’s 28-year evaluation
3. Divine elements: Lunheng describes elephants plowing his fields
4. Taoist integration: Listed as “Jiuyi Immortal” in Map of the Realms of the Immortals

Key Legends

1. Filial Piety Moves Heaven (Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars):
   • Survived sibling rivalry, maintained kindness
   • Elephants plowed, birds sowed seeds
2. Yao’s Trials (Records of the Grand Historian):
   • Navigated storms in mountains
   • Demonstrated family governance with Yao’s daughters
3. Governance Achievements:
   • Appointed Yu the Great to control floods (Shangshu·Yugong)
   • Established five punishments (Shangshu·Lvxing)
   • Promoted five cardinal virtues

Family Genealogy

Huangdi ── Zhuanxu ── Diku ── Yao
                └─ Gusou ── Shun
                        ├─ Xiang (brother)
                        └─ Ehuang & Nüying (wives)

Literary Reflections

• Historical record: Records of the Grand Historian·Wudi Benji
• Philosophical interpretation: Analects·Weilinggong “Shun governed without ado”
• Opera classic: Peking Opera Emperor Shun Plowing (Qing Dynasty)
• Modern adaptation: TV drama Great Shun (2015)

Cultural Heritage

Shun Memorial Ceremony: Jiuyi Mountain, Hunan (National Intangible Cultural Heritage)

• Rituals: “Di Sacrifice” tradition from Book of Rites
• Local customs:
  • Annual sacrifice on Shun’s birthday (8th lunar month 12th)
  • Making “Shun Cakes” with Jiuyi mountain tea
• Global impact: Korean “Shun Culture Society” holds regular exchanges

Business Culture Significance

1. Talent philosophy: “Promote talents without bias” (appointed Gun despite rivalry)
2. Leadership wisdom: “Steady in storms” metaphor for crisis management
3. Corporate application: Toyota’s “5 Whys” method traces to Shun’s “Five Teachings”

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