Author: Erlang Shen
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Transformations of Nezha in Chinese Animated Cinema: A Comparative Analysis from 1979 to 2019 Introduction Scholar Macdonald (2016) highlights the flourishing realm of China studies within animated film, indicating a shift from traditional Sinology, which primarily examines premodern topics. Chinese animated films bring a unique perspective to discussions surrounding national identity and cultural influence on…
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Nezha: The Patron Deity of Youth in Chinese Mythology Overview In the realm of Chinese mythology, Nezha (哪吒) emerges as an extraordinary teenage deity, revered as the guardian of the youth. His remarkable birth story begins with a gestation period lasting three years and six months, during which he developed exceptional strength and the ability…
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The Legend of Zhong Kui: China’s Demon Hunter Zhong Kui, known as a formidable demon hunter, traces his roots back to the Tang Dynasty, with his legacy continuing into the Song Dynasty, when he became an integral figure in Daoist tradition. Understanding his tale is crucial for grasping elements of Chinese cultural heritage. Origins of…
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Exploring Zhong Kui: The Minor God in Age of Mythology In the renowned game Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon, players can advance to the Heroic Age by invoking the minor god Zhong Kui, a deity of Chinese mythology worshipped by followers of Fu Xi and Shennong. Characteristics and Powers Zhong Kui is equipped…
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Zhong Kui’s story is intertwined with the legacy of the Tang Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong from 712 to 756 AD. Achieving notable success that could have led to fame and prosperity, Zhong Kui instead faced devastating misfortune that ultimately drove him to end his life. Over time, a legendary version of Zhong…
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From classic tales like Bram Stoker’s Dracula featuring the formidable vampire hunter Professor Abraham Van Helsing to modern anime sensation Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, ghost hunters and demon slayers occupy a significant place in fiction. Interestingly, similar figures are found in Chinese mythology, particularly the powerful Taoist deity called Zhong Kui (鍾馗; zung1 kwai4),…
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The Legend of Sun Wukong: The Monkey King Overview In the realm of Chinese mythology, Sun Wukong (孫悟空) emerges as the fascinating Monkey King, a cunning trickster and pivotal character in Wu Cheng’en’s classic novel, Journey to the West. Wukong is celebrated for his extraordinary strength and ability to transform into 72 diverse animals and…
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Hou Tu (后土), known as the “Lord of the Earth” or “Goddess of the Earth,” was a significant natural deity revered through state offerings until the close of imperial China. This goddess, also identified as Dizhi (地祗), served as a counterpart to the Great Unity (taiyi, 太一), which symbolized Heaven. Seasonal offerings to the earth…
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At the meeting point of the Yellow River and the Fenhe River in Wanrong County lies the Houtu Temple, an ancestral site dedicated to the worship of Houtu, the Earth Goddess in Chinese mythology. Recognized as “the oldest temple in the nation,” Houtu Temple is a cornerstone of Chinese civilization and serves as a vital…
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The Revered Goddess of Compassion: Guan Yin Guan Yin, often seen under various names such as Guan Yim, Kuan Yim, Kwan Im, and Kuan Yin, is an abbreviation for Kuan-shi Yin, which translates to “Observing the Sounds (or Cries) of the (human) World”. She is highly esteemed across numerous Asian cultures, bearing different names in…