The Chinese Myths: A Guide to the Gods and Legends

The Chinese Myths is a comprehensive guide to Chinese mythology, exploring its stories and significance in Chinese culture. It introduces readers to an intriguing cast of gods, goddesses, dragons, and monks, including Yi the Archer, Guanyin, and Madame White Snake, and provides insight into the patterns of Chinese religions, culture, and history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

The captivating world of Chinese myths is a rich tapestry of stories and traditions that have shaped Chinese culture for centuries. While many people are familiar with some aspects of Chinese mythology, such as the Monkey King's journey in Journey to the West or the celebration of Chinese New Year, there is still much to be learned and discovered about this fascinating tradition.

Chinese mythology is deeply rooted in the beliefs and practices of Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, and it reflects the complex interplay between these three philosophical systems. The gods, goddesses, dragons, and monks that populate these stories are not mere figments of imagination but rather representations of the forces of nature, human emotions, and moral principles.

In this comprehensive guide, author Tao Tao Liu takes readers on a journey through the world of Chinese myths. He introduces an intriguing cast of characters, including the ancient hero Yi the Archer, who used his bow and arrows to shoot suns out of the sky to save humanity from a drought; Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion, who is worshipped in temples across East Asia; and Madame White Snake, a water snake spirit in the guise of a mysterious widow, whose story has been adapted into countless films and operas.

The Chinese Myths not only retells these ancient stories but also considers their place within the patterns of Chinese religions, culture, and history. Liu explores how these myths have been interpreted and adapted over time, and how they have influenced the development of Chinese literature, art, and philosophy. He also sheds light on the cultural significance of these myths, which continue to be celebrated and honored in modern China.

Whether you are a student of Chinese history, culture, or philosophy, or simply someone who is interested in exploring the world of mythology, The Chinese Myths is an essential guide. It offers a wealth of information and insights into this complex and fascinating tradition, and it will help you to understand and appreciate Chinese culture in a new light.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 138 x 202 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500252383