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)…
Chinese folktale: Yao and Shun give up their throne
Yao （尧) and Shun (舜） Zengyan （禅让） is an ancient legend about the selection of the leader of a tribal confederation at the end of primitive society, referring to the…
Chinese Mythology: Dan Zhu Turns Into the Bird
Zhu Niao (the Black Bird) is a divine creature recorded in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, and is said to have been a bird transformed by Dan Zhu, the…
Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors: The Sage-Kings of Chinese Civilization
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…
Da Yu the Great Tames the Flood: The Founder of Eastern Hydraulic Civilization
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…