Useful for understanding China
Chinese myths are the beginning of China’s ancient history and culture, and to understand them is to understand the roots of China and the Chinese people.
Character Origins Lady of the Snail (Luo Nu): First recorded in Sou Shen Hou Ji Volume 5, an immortal sent by Heaven to repay Xie Duan’s kindness by transforming into…
Character Origins Liang Shanbo: A Jin Dynasty magistrate from Yin County (Ningbo), recorded in Liangzhu Cultural Anthology as an upright official buried west of the city. Zhu Yingtai: A learned…
Character Origins Bai Suzhen (Lady White Snake) Rooted in Tang Dynasty Boyi Zhi snake demon stories, Ming Dynasty Stories to Caution the World established her as a 1,000-year-old snake spirit…
Key Character Analysis Niu Lang (Cowherd)：Originated from the “Altair” star in Shi Jing (Book of Songs), he was given mortal status in Nineteen Ancient Poems of the Han Dynasty. As…
Divine Positioning Jade Emperor: Full title “Supreme Heavenly Emperor of the Golden Palace, the Natural Wondrous Being, the Perfect Ruler of the Myriad Realms”. As the leader of Taoism’s “Four…
Divine Characteristics Queen Mother of the West: Also known as “Wangmu Niangniang”, revered in Taoism as “Golden Mother of the Nine Spirits”. Her image evolved through three stages: primitive leopard-tailed…
Character Archetype Wu Gang: First recorded in Tang Dynasty’s Youyang Zazu, his prototype traces back to Han Dynasty’s Huainanzi “osmanthus tree in the moon”. The name “Gang” (uprightness) reflects Taoist…
Introduction The Battle of Zhuolu between Yellow Emperor (黄帝) and Chi You (蚩尤) is the most decisive mythological conflict in Chinese history, celebrated for uniting the Huaxia tribal alliance (华夏部落联盟).…
Introduction The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors are the most influential sage-king group in Chinese mythology, celebrated for establishing ethical governance through “virtue-based rule”. Symbolizing the union of wisdom and…
Introduction Cangjie is the wisest cultural hero in Chinese mythology, celebrated for creating characters by “observing bird and beast tracks”. Symbolizing symbols’ role in advancing humanity, he is often depicted…