Chinese Mythology
Ancient Legends: The Spiritual Source of Chinese Civilization
Myths
Pangu created the world
In the beginning, chaos gave way to order; heaven and earth were separated.
In ancient times, the universe was a chaotic void like an egg. The giant Pangu slept within it; upon waking, he split the chaos with his axe—clear light rose to form the sky, and heavy mist sank to become the earth. For 18,000 years, Pangu held up heaven and stood firm on earth before transforming into all things.
Nuwa Mends the Sky
Mend the sky with stones to save all living beings.
The Water God Gonggong clashed with the Fire God Zhurong. In his rage, Gonggong struck the pillar of Mount Buzhou, breaking the celestial column and causing the Milky Way to flood the earth. Nuwa smelted five-colored stones to repair the sky, severed turtle legs to support the four corners, calmed the floods, defeated ferocious beasts, and allowed the people to live in peace.
Hou Yi Shoots Down the Suns
Ten suns rise together; heroes draw their bows.
The Heavenly Emperor's ten sons transformed into ten suns that rose simultaneously, scorching the earth and leaving people in despair. The archer Hou Yi, acting on order from Emperor Yao, shot down nine of the suns, leaving only one to illuminate the world. He became a hero revered by all.
Chang'e Flies to the Moon
Accidentally consumed the elixir; now alone in the Moon Palace.
Hou Yi obtained the elixir of immortality from the Queen Mother of the West and entrusted it to his wife, Chang'e. When Pang Meng forced her to hand over the elixir while Hou Yi was away, she swallowed it in desperation and ascended to the moon. There, she has lived in seclusion ever since, accompanied only by the Jade Rabbit.
Kua Fu Chases the Sun
Chasing the light, ambitions unfulfilled.
The giant Kuafu vowed to chase the sun and keep its light. He ran for a thousand li, drinking up the Yellow River and Wei River, but ultimately died of thirst and exhaustion. On his deathbed, he threw his staff, which transformed into a peach forest to provide shade and refreshment for future generations.
Jingwei Fills the Sea
Persevere with unwavering resolve.
Yan Di's daughter, Nuwa, drowned in the East Sea and transformed into the Jingwei bird. Day after day, she carried twigs and stones from the Western Mountains to fill the sea, determined to level it. Her perseverance moved people, making her a symbol of unyielding will.
Shennang tasted hundreds of herbs.
Test herbs personally to save lives
Shennong, in order to identify the medicinal properties of herbs, personally tasted hundreds of plants and encountered seventy different poisons in a single day. He discovered five staple grains, taught people how to farm, and invented medicine to heal the populace. Ultimately, he died after tasting the deadly wormwood and is revered as the "King of Medicine."
The Yellow Emperor Fights Chiyou
The Battle of Zhuolu: Establishing the Central Plains
Chi You led the Jiuli tribes to invade Central China. The Yellow Emperor allied with Yan Di and engaged in a decisive battle at Zhuolu. Chi You summoned the Wind Lord and Rain Master to create thick fog, but the Yellow Emperor invented the South-pointing Chariot to counter it, ultimately capturing and killing Chi You, thereby unifying Huaxia.
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