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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 Legendary Monkey King: Sun Wukong Origins in Mythology Sun Wukong, also called the Monkey King, is a celebrated character from the classic 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West. This iconic figure has a lineage that traces back to ancient legends from the Song dynasty, where stories of white gibbons were prevalent. Wukong entered…
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The Enigmatic Journey of Sūn Wùkōng in Journey to the West Sūn Wùkōng 孫悟空 stands as the central figure in the renowned Chinese fictional work, Journey to the West (西遊記 Xī Yóu Jì), which is celebrated as one of the four masterpieces of Chinese literature. This tale narrates the extraordinary journey undertaken by Xuánzàng 玄奘,…
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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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Sun Wukong, a simian figure with remarkable human traits and skills, remains one of the most cherished and lasting characters in Chinese literary tradition. Known as The Monkey King, he wields a magical staff and showcases incredible abilities in the 16th-century classic Journey to the West. Over the ensuing centuries, this captivating character has inspired…
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Overview Sun Wukong, often referred to as the Monkey King, stands as a pivotal figure in Chinese mythology, particularly in Wu Cheng’en’s famed literary work, Journey to the West. This trickster god possesses extraordinary strength and the remarkable ability to morph into 72 unique animals and items. Each of his hairs holds transformative capabilities, enabling…
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Exploring the Houshan Daoists and the Houtu Cult in Hebei Much of my previous work on local rituals has focused on the traditions found in Shanxi. However, the province of Hebei, which encircles Beijing, presents a rich opportunity for field studies that may not initially appear as captivating. It serves as a significant and fruitful…
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At the point where the Yellow River meets the Fenhe River in Wanrong County lies the Houtu Temple, dedicated to the veneration and rituals associated with Houtu, the Earth Goddess, revered in Chinese tradition. Claimed to be the “oldest temple in the nation,” Houtu Temple symbolizes the very beginnings of Chinese identity and culture. It…
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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…
