Decoding the Ancient Tales: A Collection of 100 Chinese Mythological Stories in English
The rich cultural heritage of China has been a treasure trove for generations, with stories passed down through oral tradition and inscribed on ancient artifacts. Among these, Chinese mythology stands out as an intriguing blend of history, folklore, and mysticism. The tales have captured the hearts and imaginations of people across time and space.
A recent publication that encapsulates this fascinating world is "China Mythology Stories 100", a collection of one hundred mythological stories translated into English. This monumental work brings to life the essence of China's spiritual past, offering readers a unique opportunity to delve into its ancient narratives.
One such story is about Chang'e, the Moon Goddess who was banished from heaven after consuming an elixir meant for immortality. According to legend, Chang'e fell onto Earth while her pet rabbit stayed behind on the moon where it continues to make tea for her today. This celestial tale showcases how mythology often reflects human aspirations and fears.
Another captivating story revolves around Meng Po Gong Mu (Lady Meng Po), also known as Mother Kong Ming or Lady Meng Po - The Goddess Of Forgetfulness. In this narrative, she presides over the River Lethe in Xuan Yuan Heaven (the underworld) where souls drink her forgetful soup before rebirth into new lives.
This anthology not only includes well-known myths but also lesser-known ones that offer insights into various aspects of Chinese society during different eras. For instance, there's Sun Wukong's journey in Journey to the West which highlights his adventures as he escorts Tang Sanzang back from India with three other disciples - Zhu Bajie (Pigsy) Monkey King's loyal companion; Sha Wujing (Sandy); Tang Sanzang's disciple; and Migoaluo (Eagle).
In addition to these familiar tales are more obscure ones like "The Eight Immortals" which tells us about their origins - Zhongli Quan was once a beggar who found gold under his begging bowl while He Xiangu discovered jade within her hairpin when she reached up towards heaven during prayer.
These stories give us glimpses into daily life at times gone by revealing values cherished then such as filial piety or loyalty between friends & family members even when they go beyond mortal bounds e.g., Monkey King’s love for his master Tang Sanzang despite many challenges they faced together throughout their journey back home from India with sacred scriptures called Tripitaka Sutras.
Moreover some legends highlight significant events or periods in Chinese history like Nüwa creating humans out of clay after wiping out all living beings due to rampant violence among them following creation by Pangu splitting apart primordial chaos yin yang thus giving birth first five elements metal water wood fire earth – proving historical connections between mythological accounts & factual events in history books were interwoven tightly justifying why both can be considered equally valuable sources for understanding our collective pasts regardless whether factually proven true or based on belief systems shared amongst communities so far away yet connected through storytelling traditions spanning centuries if not millennia!
