Author: Erlang Shen
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The Kitchen God and Other Deities of the Earthly Realm In the framework of Chinese folk religion, the cosmos comprises three domains: Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld. Each domain is inhabited by a multitude of significant gods and goddesses, with the Earthly Realm being particularly populous. This domain is home to everyday individuals alongside a…
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Welcome back to another episode of the Mythical Arcana Mythology podcast! Today, we’re diving deeper into the realm of Chinese Mythology, specifically focusing on the tale of Erlang Shen, also known as Yang Jian. He is celebrated as the legendary warrior god endowed with three eyes, renowned as the paramount warrior in the heavenly realm,…
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Long before the advent of contemporary meteorology, early civilizations crafted their own interpretations of weather phenomena. Many of these narratives were steeped in the fantastic, featuring deities, monsters, and spirits that purportedly influenced natural elements. In this exploration, we will delve into some of these ancient stories while also presenting the scientific understanding that underpins…
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Ying Long is a prominent figure in Chinese mythology, recognized by several names such as Ji (吉 jí), Geng Chen (庚辰 gēng chén), Huang Long (黄龙 huáng lóng), and Fei Long (飞龙 fēi lóng). Often regarded as the progenitor from whom all other dragons derive, she stands as one of the Four Great Dragon Gods…
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Fuxi (伏羲) and Nuwa (女娲) stand as pivotal figures within the rich tapestry of Chinese mythology, credited with the creation of humanity. Beyond their roles as creators, Fuxi is known for presenting various beneficial innovations to society, while Nuwa is celebrated for rescuing humanity from catastrophic dangers. This positions Fuxi and Nuwa as cultural heroes,…
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Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! In Mandarin, we refer to this occasion as Zhōngqiū Jié (中秋节)! Here, I have included a drawing of the Moon Goddess of Chinese mythology, Chang’e (嫦娥), who is a central figure in this wonderful celebration. To our friends in Korea, we wish you a joyful Chuseok, and to those in Japan, we…
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The Legacy and Craftsmanship of Chinese Jade Chinese jade refers to any carved jade artifacts created in China from the Neolithic Period (circa 3000–2000 BCE) onwards. Throughout history, the Chinese have held carved jade in high esteem, viewing it not only as valuable but also as a symbol of purity and resilience. The Significance of…
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The tale of Chang’e, the revered Moon Goddess, is a cherished narrative within Chinese myths and traditions. This captivating story has been transmitted across generations, enchanting audiences globally. The legend not only sheds light on the origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival but also conveys profound themes of love, loss, and celestial existence. The Story Unfolds…
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Understanding Nezha in Chinese Mythology Nezha (哪吒) stands as a youthful deity hailed in Chinese folk religion, embodying attributes of innocence and exuberance. Revered as a god of family devotion and children, his many titles include “Marshal of the Central Altar” (中壇元帥; zung1 taan4 jyun4 seoi3), “Prince Nezha” (哪吒太子; naa5 zaa1 taai3 zi2), and “Third…