The Tale of Gong Gong and the Serpent Goddess Nüwa
In the realm of Chinese mythology, Gong Gong stands out as a volatile and discontented water spirit known for his immense power. Often depicted as a fierce black dragon or a turbulent water creature, Gong Gong embodies chaos. In a previous discussion about the Black Mansion, which pertains to the Chinese concept of the underworld, I highlighted the strict hierarchy that characterizes the spirit world in Chinese belief—spanning the earthly domain, the celestial heavens, and the nether realms. Gong Gong, however, was deeply frustrated by this rigid order. Although he possessed considerable might, his role in the heavenly court revolved around trivial tasks and time-consuming paperwork. Fed up with what he viewed as mundane duties, Gong Gong revolted against the authority of the Jade Emperor. In his quest for dominance over the heavens, he unleashed catastrophic floods and formed an alliance with the sinister nine-headed demon, Xiangliu.
Gong Gong’s Reckless Actions
United in their efforts, Gong Gong and Xiangliu wreaked havoc across the landscape, leading to severe destruction and an immense loss of life. Despite the widespread devastation, their rebellion ultimately fell short against the might of the heavenly forces. They faced opposition from Zhu Rong, the fire deity and sovereign of the south, who was a formidable warrior riding a magical tiger. Just as it seemed that Zhu Rong would decisively vanquish the pair, Gong Gong, driven by humiliation and rage, threw himself against Mount Buzhou—an immense mythical mountain serving as one of heaven’s crucial supports. This confrontation resulted in a part of the mountain crumbling, which created a gaping void in the sky. The calamity that followed paled in comparison to Gong Gong’s prior actions. The earth was engulfed in floods and fires; terrifying beings from alternate realms breached the rift and caused further chaos. Humanity was plunged into despair as famine and terror became pervasive, indicating a potential end for all forms of life.
Nüwa’s Heroic Restoration
As the other deities found themselves powerless, the creator goddess Nüwa emerged as a beacon of hope. She crafted supports from the legs of a colossal turtle to stabilize the sky once more. Nüwa then collected precious stones from a river, imbuing them with her magical essence. With these colorful gems, she began to mend the celestial dome. Some variations of the myth suggest she eliminated Gong Gong in the process, while others indicate he escaped and still roams the earth in hiding. Regardless of Gong Gong’s fate, Nüwa’s work was not flawless. The sun and moon began to traverse the sky from east to west, and the stars were displaced to reflect the changing seasons. Even the North Star was disoriented from its consistent position.
A Modern Reflection on Nüwa’s Myth
Interestingly, my favorite work of literature, possibly the best I have encountered across cultures, is inspired by this turbulent myth. “The Story of the Stone,” penned by Cao Xueqin during the 18th century amidst the early dissolution of the Qing dynasty, narrates the decline of a once-prominent noble family. The broader theme encapsulates the inexorable turmoil of human existence. This expansive narrative boasts 40 central characters and over 400 minor figures, weaving a rich tapestry that spans the vast history and culture of China, filling numerous pages. The depiction of all strata of Chinese society is remarkable; yet hidden beneath the intricate drama of personal conflicts, romantic entanglements, and misunderstandings lies an enigmatic divine principle that underlies the universe.
Throughout the novel, a peculiar beggar appears intermittently, a figure marked by ailments and leaning on an iron crutch, yet possessing magical remedies. The story’s female lead possesses an ethereal beauty, reminiscent of the otherworldly. The protagonist, Jia Baoyu, emerges as a whimsical young aristocrat, notably born with a mystical piece of jade nestled in his mouth. Although subtle throughout the narrative, it is revealed that Jia is intrinsically linked to the gemstone—one enchanted by Nüwa in her effort to heal the rift in the heavens, although it was ultimately deemed flawed and left aside. Frustrated with his life on the cusp of the divine, he descends into the human realm, with the novel chronicling his experiences and, metaphorically, the essence of human existence itself. I must apologize for not conveying just how profoundly beautiful and ineffable “The Story of the Stone” is. I should add that this illustrious literary treasure of China carries a poignant and profoundly melancholic weight.
