Introduction
Kuafu is the most tragic hero in Chinese mythology, celebrated for his relentless pursuit of the sun. Symbolizing humanity’s fearless exploration of nature, he is often depicted as a giant with snakes hanging from his ears and a peachwood staff in hand. As both a primitive tribal chief from the Shan Hai Jing (《山海经》) and an ancient reflection of modern space spirit, his legend spans millennia.
Origin
Kuafu’s prototype first appeared in the Shan Hai Jing·Great Wilderness Northern Classic (《山海经·大荒北经》), solidified in the Liezi·Tangwen (《列子·汤问》). Legend states he was a descendant of Houtu (后土, God of Earth), dwelling in the northern wilderness. Tang Dynasty Youyang Zazu (《酉阳杂俎》) incorporated him into Taoist pantheon, while Ming Dynasty Investiture of the Gods (《封神演义》) hinted at his alliance with Chi You’s tribe. Modern scholars link his tale to ancient drought response memory.
Plot Overview
- Catalyst: Ten suns scorched the earth, prompting Kuafu to regulate celestial rhythms
- Chase: Drank Yellow River and Wei River dry, achieving 200 km/h speed
- Ending: Collapsed at Yugu (禺谷, Sunset Valley), his staff transforming into a 300-li peach forest (邓林)
- Legacy: Blood became wine springs, hair forests, bones mineral resources
Relationships
- Houtu (后土): Grandfather, the Underworld God governing earth
- Yinglong (应龙): Yellow Emperor’s dragon assistant who aided Yu the Great in flood control
- Chi You (蚩尤): Tribal ally, leader of Jiuli clan battling Yellow Emperor
- Sun: Both target and force to be tamed
Literary Sources
- Shan Hai Jing·Overseas Northern Classic (《山海经·海外北经》, Pre-Qin): Earliest complete account of the chase
- Liezi·Tangwen (《列子·汤问》, Warring States): Adds the ecological implication of “staff-to-forest” transformation
- Huainanzi (《淮南子》, Western Han): Interprets the chase as a philosophical metaphor for time
Folk Festivals & Customs
- Summer Solstice Sun Sacrifice (夏至祭日, Mid-5th lunar month)
- Northern regions perform “Kuafu Dance” (夸父舞) with feather ornaments symbolizing the chase
- Carve sun totems from peachwood (桃木) for favorable weather
- Autumn Drying Festival (晒秋节, After Start of Autumn)
- Arrange crops in sun patterns to honor Kuafu’s climate regulation legacy
Spiritual Significance
Kuafu embodies the Eastern philosophy of pursuing the impossible:
- Idealistic perseverance transcends utilitarian calculations
- Defeat becomes eternal through self-sacrifice
- Individual loss transforms into collective ecological wisdom
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