Chinese Mythology

China has over a billion people in its country today.  China was united from a collection of independent cities around 2,000 years ago by an emperor named Yin Zheng (now called Qin Shi Huangdi).  He tried to make the whole country uniform by having the people use the same money, measuring system, language and clothes.  He made every one wear black clothes.

There are many different stories from ancient Chinese mythology.  The dragon figure is prominent in Chinese lore.  There are six seperate origin stories, a story of divine warfare between the gods, a flood myth, a catastrophe by fire, a drought myth and myths of gods handing down knowledge to the human race.

The following are 17 of the gods and goddesses of ancient China:

• Yu Huang Da Di- The Jade Emperor who was superior to all and attended to all the affairs of heaven.  He organized the universe.

• Nuwa and Fuxi- Nuwa was part woman and dragon.  Fuxi was part man and dragon.  Nuwa became lonely and created humans.  Fuxi was the first teacher.  He taught humans how to survive.

• Sun Wukong was the God of Mischief.   He was king of a band of monkeys.  He caused so much trouble that a band was placed on his head to keep him in line.

• Guanyin is the Goddess of Mercy.

• Zhong Kui was the God of Healing.

• Niu Lang was called Ox Boy.  He fell in love with the Goddess of Weaving, Zhi Nu. 

• Guan Gong was the God of War

• Xi Wang Mu was the Goddess of Immortality.

• Lei Shen was the God of Thunder.

• Dian Mu was the Goddess of Lightning.

• Huang Di was the God of Law and Order.

• Cai Shen was the God of Wealth.

• Hong Shen was the God of the Southern Seas.

• Menshen are the Gods of Peaceful Sleep.

There are also many stories of emperors, sages and heroes.  The story of the Eight Immortals is very interesting.

The Eight Immortals are eight "Chinese" saints.  They fight against evil and protect humans as they go on their journeys.  Their names are as follows:

• Immortal Woman He (He Xiangu),
• Royal Uncle Cao (Cao Guojiu),
• Iron-Crutch Li (Tieguai Li),
• Lan Caihe,
• Lü Dongbin, leader;
• Philosopher Han Xiang (Han Xiang Zi),
• Elder Zhang Guo (Zhang Guo Lao), and
• Han Zhongli (Zhongli Quan).

There are many other ancient Chinese gods and goddesses and some of the names vary from source to source.  There are other stories of Chinese folklore used to teach lessons in Chinese society.

By Rita Jean Moran (www.thelibrarykids.com)


Sources:

Chinese Myths by Anne Birrel

The Gods and Goddesses of Ancient China by Leonard Everett Fisher

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_mythology

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ninedragonwallpic1.jpg

(Creative Commons Licensed by Author: Splitbrain)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eight_Immortals

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ninedragonwallpic1.jpg