Chinese Mythology — Origins, Characteristics, Folklore, Legends, and Elements
Chinese Mythology is a tapestry interwoven with creation myths, divine beings, enchanting realms, mythical creatures, and age-old legends.
These narratives are a fusion of ancient folklore, history, religious beliefs, and mystical rituals, tracing their origins back to the dawn of human existence.
In the crucible of survival, our primitive ancestors forged a world of wonder, destined to endure across the ages.
They bestowed upon their progeny a realm teeming with beauty and fascination, safeguarding a treasury of legendary tales that have gracefully traversed the millennia.
Murals of Some Taoism Religion Deities in Chinese Mythology, inside the Yongle Palace (Built in 1247 — 1358) in Shanxi Province.
Origin of Ancient Chinese Mythology
Ancient Chinese mythology combines creation myths, timeless legends, prehistoric history, religion, and folktales.
These stories were passed down orally, inscribed in ancient oracle bone scripts, engraved on valuable bronze wares, depicted in old murals and paintings, described in historical records, eulogized in classic literature, presented in religious and folk shrines, celebrated in traditional festivals, reproduced in fascinating stories, and integrated into many people's daily lives.
Jade Dragon of Hongshan Culture (around 4000 BC — 3000 BC). — National Museum of China
Among the substantial ancient traces, there are some primary resources depicting the mythical world.
The Classic of the Mountains and Seas or Shan Hai Jing
The Classic of the Mountains and Seas, or Shan Hai Jing, is a remarkable book primarily composed of illustrations with descriptive Chinese characters added centuries later.
It is regarded as one of the most significant origins and foundations of ancient mythology in China.
Tradition attributes its creation to Yu the Great, the founder of the first Chinese empire, the Xia Dynasty (around 2070 BC to 1600 BC), or including his assistant Boyi.
This extraordinary book encompasses approximately 40 regions, 550 mountains, 330 rivers, over 100 historical figures, more than 400 Mythical Creatures, their legends, agricultural practices, customs, creation myths, Chinese Gods, Goddesses, Mythical Deities, and Mythical Places.
It seamlessly blends elements of reality, myth, and legend, providing a window into an era populated by mysterious deities and courageous heroes who made influential contributions to Chinese culture.
Historical Records and Literature Classics
In ancient times, when the Mandate of Heaven was widely believed, myths, legends, especially those involving kings, as well as mythical phenomena, were extensively documented by official historians, most of which became a crucial source of mythology.
Furthermore, additional myths and legends were depicted and celebrated in various forms of literature.
These include works like the "Book of Songs" (Shijing), the "Verses of Chu" (Chuci), fables found in Zhuangzi, as well as a rich collection of folktales and novels.
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Mythical Creature Kun Peng from A Fable of Zhuangzi.
Religious Mythology
Since the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 — 220) when Taoism Religion originated and was popularized, and Buddhism was introduced, these belief systems have made significant contributions to shaping today's Chinese mythological world.
Buddhism Apsaras in Mid Tang Dynasty (618 — 907) Mural "Guan Wu Liang Shou Jing Bian" in the 217th Cave of Mogao Grottoes, Photo by Dongmaiying.
Characteristics and Facts of Chinese Mythology
Multiple Origins and Systems
Chinese Mythology encompasses numerous deities with diverse origins, coexisting harmoniously within the culture and history.
There is no consensus on which deity holds the most significant influence or most power.
In general, Chinese mythological figures include Gods from Creation Myths, exceptional heroes and kings from the prehistoric era who made significant contributions, as well as Deities from Taoism Religion, Buddhism, and folklore.
Chinese Gods, Goddesses, Deities, and Immortals in "Eighty-Seven Celestials" by Artist Wu Daozi (about 680 — 758).
The Practical Sun
The origin of the sun varies in Chinese culture, with some believing it to be the incarnation of Pan Gu's left eye or the son of a mysterious queen.
Apart from being shot down by a hero, Hou Yi, and chased by a clan leader, Kua Fu, there are not many stories about the sun.
However, the sun's trajectory was clearly and frequently described in history, which holds great astronomical value.
Therefore, in Chinese mythology, the sun was not a sacred, mythical object widely worshiped by many people.
Instead, it was primarily considered for practical and agricultural applications.
Hero Hou Yi Shooting Extra Suns
Fighting Against Nature
Many Chinese myths and legends are about fighting against nature or the supernatural to survive and protect human well-being.
When the weather was scorching, a hero would shoot the extra suns down; when a massive flood was deluged, it would be fought and conquered.
Some extraordinary people had created characters, documented medical herbs, killed evil monsters, etc.
Significant characters in those myths are diligent and fearless workers, sometimes with mystical power.
Ultimately, they became immortals because of their outstanding contributions, hard work, and spirit of sacrifice.
Nu Wa Fixing the Broken Sky
Historicized and Secularized Through Confucianism
Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, was highly against supernatural ideology.
Therefore, in most of his masterpieces, he historicized many immortals from ancient myths and secularized various mysterious legends.
Mythology in Confucianism, then, served the ruling class and their governance, with Chinese Emperors' power being seen as granted by heaven.
Furthermore, the behaviors of sovereigns would be believed to be reflected in natural phenomena.
Royal Style Building Complex of Wudang Mountains
Anything Is Possible for Achieving Immortality Through Cultivation
In Chinese mythology, everything in the universe can gain supernatural power and become immortal.
Human
Those who had made significant contributions to humankind or completed orthodox cultivations would have the chance to fly up to the sky and transform into immortals, such as many Prehistoric Kings.
Animal
Besides Mythical Creatures, some ordinary animals, such as snakes and foxes, can turn into human or celestial beings if they go through assiduous cultivation and do extremely contributive activities (like having saved people’s lives) or run into a lucky opportunity.
Plants
Plants have their wills, and those growing in sacred mystical places can absorb nimbus and obtain different superpowers.
However, after gaining supernatural power, every immortal should behave with high moral standards; otherwise, they would lose everything.
Therefore, they usually focus on further practicing in beautiful wonderlands, traveling worldwide, and helping humans when necessary.
What is Cultivation in Chinese Mythology?
Cultivation is a Taoism Religion term, which includes two practice phases, Xiuzhen and Xiuxian.
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Xiuzhen is to practice one's mind and spirit, find the true self, and pursue the final truth of the universe.
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Xiuxian is pursuing immortality, usually coming after the Xiuzhen process.
In mythology, to conclude, cultivation is a person or a creature obtaining immortality and mystical power in certain auspicious places through physical practices (such as breathing exercises), taking elixirs from unique alchemy, or doing good deeds.
Pond Yangtianchi on Top of Mount Hua, Believed the Place that Deities Take Water to Do Alchemies.
This Mythical Small Pond is Surrounded by Rocky Stones but Had Never Overflown nor Dried Up.
Influential Chinese Myths, Legends, and Deities
Mythical beings shape and influence our world, each with its own unique powers and purpose: souls, spirits, demons, monsters, ghosts, devils, deities, and gods.
They are chronicled in ancient sagas and texts, depicted in murals and historical paintings, venerated in shrines and temples, and recounted through oral traditions through words in various legends and folklore.
Click to Read More About Mythical Beings in Chinese Mythology
"Mystical Mountains and Buildings" by Zhao Boju of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127 — 1279)
Creation Myths
Creator of Humanity and Savior of the Sky — Nu Wa
The Ancestor of Chinese Culture and Sacred Creator — Fu Xi
Creator of Written Characters — Cang Jie
Crushing of Mount Bu Zhou — Gong Gong
Shooting the Suns and Flying to the Moon — Hou Yi and Chang E
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Shen Nong Tasting Herbs, Painted by Guo Xu (1456－1529) － Shanghai Museum
Accomplished Immortal Kings
The Ancestor of Fire — Sui Ren
Brilliant Sovereign and Inventor of Agriculture — Flame Emperor
Culture Hero and Great Ancestor of Chinese People — Yellow Emperor
Ideal Monarch and the Incarnation of Red Dragon — King Yao
Moral Model of Confucianism — King Shun
Deities in Chinese Religion and Folklore Legends
Mythical Deities in Myths and Legends
Jiang Ziya from the Investiture of the Gods
The Love Story of the White Snake
Niu Lang and Zhi Nv's meeting on Qixi Festival, by Snow Fish
The Supreme God of Han Culture and Imperial Worship Traditions — Hao Tian Shang Di
Hao Tian Shang Di is the paramount deity in Chinese Han culture, presiding over all aspects of the world.
Hao Tian Shang Di is perceived as the ultimate authority of the universe, residing anthropomorphically in the celestial realm.
Throughout history, Chinese Emperors were revered as the "Sons of Heaven," mandated to govern the nation by the divine Mandate of Heaven.
The celestial realm itself is personified in Hao Tian Shang Di.
From the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC — 256 BC) to the final feudal empire, the Qing Dynasty (1636 — 1912), the veneration of Hao Tian Shang Di stood as the most significant and grandiose imperial sacrificial ceremony, exclusively conducted by emperors.
Memorial Tablet of Hao Tian Enshrined on Main Hall of the Temple of Heaven, Where Emperors of Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 — 1912) Held Grand Sacrificial Ceremonies to Worship the Heaven.
Mystical Places in Chinese Mythology and Folklore
Up in the Sky
In Chinese Astrology, the sky is divided into four cardinal directions; in the upper center, there are Three Enclosures where supreme deities live.
Each of these four areas contains seven big stars, which look like images of four mythical creatures: Azure Dragon of the East, Black Tortoise of the North, White Tiger of the West, and Vermilion Bird of the South.
They represent each section of the sky and control the four seasons respectively; a yellow dragon named Ying Long guards the middle, which is superior and more powerful.
They were important celestial beings and laid the foundation for Chinese culture, mythology, Fengshui, and magic arts in the Taoism Religion.
Azure Dragon
White Tiger
Vermillion Bird
Black Tortoise
Eaves Tiles of the Han Dynasty (202 BC — 220 AD) — Shanghai Museum
Mount Kunlun in the West
Mount Kunlun is the most honorable and sacred mountain in Chinese mythology.
It is a sacred, beautiful land where many celestial beings and mythical animals live.
Penglai Islands in the East
In ancient mythology, Penglai Islands are some mountains floating in the sea.
In those mythical mountains, fancy palaces are made of jade and gold, all animals and plants are pure as white clouds, and some powerful immortals live there.
Therefore, Emperor Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han, two of the greatest monarchs in Chinese history, went to Penglai to search for immortals.
Penglai Island Painted by Artist Qiu Ying (about 1497 — 1552) — Poly Art Museum
Mount Tai the Connection of Heaven and Acheron
At the foot of Mount Tai is the entrance to the underworld, where all the ghosts would go through.
On the top, however, is a path to heaven.
Therefore, it is believed to be a magnificent, mythical place that connected the worlds of celestial, human, and ghosts.
Meanwhile, Mount Tai has been the holy place where accomplished emperors held Feng Shan, the most sacred and supreme worship ceremony in Chinese culture.
Ancient Stairs and Buildings on Mount Tai of Shandong Province.
Other Mythical Places
In Chinese culture, many majestic mountains, rivers, and lakes are believed to have deities safeguarding these places and ensuring the well-being of local inhabitants.
Over thousands of years, Taoists and Buddhists have chosen these serene and awe-inspiring locations for their spiritual practices.
This enduring tradition has led to the construction of numerous remarkable temples, pagodas, and grottoes in these areas.
Mythological Creatures in Chinese Mythology and Folklore
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Four Symbols, the Guardians of Cardinal Directions in the Sky
Azure Dragon of the East, Black Tortoise of the North, White Tiger of the West, and Vermilion Bird of the South.
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Four Auspicious Mythological Creatures in Culture
The four most benevolent, auspicious, and miraculous creatures in ancient Chinese culture are the Dragon (variable), the Phoenix (knowledgeable), the Qilin (honest), and the Turtle (divine).
Chinese Phoenix and Dragon on Silk Painting of the Warring States Period (403 BC — 221 BC), They Were Believed Guiding the Deceased One's Soul to Heaven — Hunan Museum
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