Myths and Legends of China

In Short

This book serves as a scholarly yet accessible compendium of Chinese folklore, organizing a vast array of legends into thematic categories. It explores the origins of the universe, the lives of Taoist immortals, the bureaucratic structure of the spirit world, and the exploits of legendary figures like the Monkey King. By rooting these tales in their specific cultural, philosophical, and religious contexts, the work provides a window into the traditional Chinese worldview, preserving myths that once lived in the minds of the people and were frequently referenced in their literature.

The Story

The narrative arc of Chinese mythology begins with the philosophical understanding of the universe. The cosmos is governed by the duality of the immaterial principle and primary matter, a monism that explains the origin of all things. From this philosophical foundation, the world populates itself with a complex pantheon. There are gods of the soil, the kitchen, and the silkworms, all of whom operate within a celestial bureaucracy that mirrors the earthly administration of the state. These deities are not merely distant figures; they are active, functional participants in the moral and physical lives of humanity, often intervening to protect the people or punish the wicked.

As the stories unfold, the reader encounters the first Taoist pope, Chang Tao-ling, who masters the arts of alchemy and demon-slaying, transforming himself into a powerful figure who commands the wind and thunder. Interspersed among these divine accounts are tales of human transformation and trial. Figures such as Lü Tung-pin, who abandons worldly ambition after a dream that lasts a lifetime, evolve from ordinary scholars into immortal beings. Even the most powerful entities, like the goddess Kuan Yin or the mischievous Monkey King, Sun Hou-tzu, navigate paths that lead them through intense spiritual discipline and confrontation with the manifestations of human passion and desire.

The stories often touch upon the interplay between the human and the divine. A graduate might encounter a dragon’s daughter, or a poor scholar might find his fortunes changed by a fox spirit. These tales frequently center on the idea of justice, whether it is the divine retribution inflicted upon a corrupt emperor who attempts to silence his critics or the legendary Battle of the Ten Thousand Immortals, which resulted in the divinities being assigned their positions among the twenty-eight constellations.

The arc of the mythology concludes with the realization of moral and spiritual order. Whether through the arduous journey of a pilgrim seeking scriptures or the quiet life of a hermit attaining perfection, the myths emphasize a transformation of character. The stories illustrate that the universe, while populated by demons, spirits, and gods, is ultimately an orderly place where moral failings—like greed or lack of filial piety—are met with consequences, and where the pursuit of goodness, represented by figures who embody patience and wisdom, leads to enlightenment and lasting influence.

How It Unfolds

The philosophical foundation The account begins with the metaphysical origins of the universe, focusing on the interplay of the immaterial principle and primary matter. It establishes the dualistic nature of existence that informs all subsequent myths.

The celestial bureaucracy The focus shifts to the organization of the Otherworld, which is described as a vast, structured replica of the Chinese official state. This section details how various ministries govern human concerns, from thunder and fire to health and success.

The rise of Taoist heroes The text highlights the legends of figures like Chang Tao-ling and Lü Tung-pin, whose lives define the path to immortality. These stories track their progression from historical or ordinary origins to their roles as supernatural protectors and teachers.

The adventures of the spirit-pilgrims A significant portion details the travels of a group of beings, including the Monkey King and the Pig Fairy, as they represent the internal struggle of human nature. This section follows their journey toward the West, illustrating the triumph of conscience over passion.

The moral and practical everyday myths The book concludes with localized tales, such as the fox spirit who rewards a generous drinker or the deity whose face remains scarred as a testament to his own imperfect justice. These stories ground the grand mythology in the daily morality and folklore of the Chinese people.

The People

The book presents a cast of characters who act as archetypes for human behavior and spiritual aspiration. Chang Tao-ling represents the intersection of mortal ambition and supernatural power; he begins as a scholar seeking truth and ends as the founder of modern Taoism, a figure who can command the elements and purge the world of demons. Lü Tung-pin captures the transition from worldly vanity to spiritual enlightenment, his "rice-wine dream" serving as a pivotal moment where he realizes the hollowness of high office and embraces the life of an immortal.

Sun Hou-tzu, the Monkey King, serves as the embodiment of restless, unrefined human nature. His journey is one of forced refinement; he requires the "Head-splitting Helmet" to manage his waywardness, and his growth from a chaotic stone monkey to a disciplined protector mirrors the internal struggle for self-control. Miao Shan, who becomes the goddess Kuan Yin, represents the pinnacle of virtue and filial devotion. Her path to becoming a Buddha is defined by sacrifice and the attainment of such profound goodness that she is enthroned as the sovereign of all living things. Finally, the Ch'êng-huang, or City-god, represents the fallibility of divine justice. Even in the spirit realm, the stories reflect human complexities, as seen when his statue is permanently disfigured because he failed to protect an innocent boy, underscoring that even celestial figures are subject to the weight of their own actions.

In Its Own Voice

"The immaterial principle is what is previous to form, while primary matter is what is subsequent to form."

The author quotes this passage from Chu Hsi’s treatise to explain the monistic philosophy that underpins the Chinese view of creation.

"The way that can be walked is not the Eternal Way; the name that can be named is not the Eternal Name."

This line from the Tao-tê ching is cited to illustrate the mystical and transcendental nature of Lao Tzu’s foundational concept of the Tao.

"Who knows but that Mr Redcoat will nod his head?"

This popular saying is used to describe the invocation of the deity Chu I, who acts as a patron and protector for scholars facing difficult examinations.

What It's Really About

The book explores the psychology of a culture through its myth-making. It argues that Chinese mythology is not the result of an unimaginative people, but rather a reflection of a society that prioritized stable, institutionalized thought. The central question is how a people construct their understanding of the "Otherworld" as a direct, functional extension of their own social and political life. The work touches on the themes of duty, the necessity of filial piety, and the inherent conflict between human passion and the pursuit of spiritual perfection. It suggests that while the stories are often diverting, they serve a deeper purpose: providing a moral framework where the universe, despite its supernatural complexity, remains intimately connected to human behavior and communal harmony.

Why Read It Today

Readers with an interest in folklore and the history of ideas will find this book an invaluable, if dense, resource. It is written with a scholarly detachment that values clarity over embellishment, making it a reliable guide for those who want to understand the "true" representatives of Chinese myth rather than popularized versions. The reader should be prepared for the author’s early 20th-century perspective, which occasionally reflects the attitudes of his time, particularly regarding the perceived "arrested" development of the Chinese intellect—an observation that feels dated and limited by the author's colonial-era vantage point.

Despite its age, the book is remarkably effective at capturing the texture of the stories as they were lived and believed. It does not feel like a dry academic exercise; instead, it pulsates with the specificities of temple life, the humor of fox-spirit encounters, and the gravitas of celestial bureaucracy. What remains with the reader is the profound sense of a world that is not merely physical, but constantly observed by spirits and governed by a moral code that persists through history. For those willing to navigate its compact, information-heavy style, it offers a rare, comprehensive look at a mythology that is as much about the structure of human society as it is about the wonders of the divine.