China's gods were rarely born divine — they opened roads, mended skies, tamed floods and chased suns, trading their own bodies for this world.
Unlike many civilizations, the heroes of Chinese myth seldom sit on high issuing commands. Pangu became the mountains and rivers with his body; Nüwa smelted stones to mend the sky; Yu tamed the flood for thirteen years, passing his own gate three times without entering; Jingwei carried twigs and stones to fill the Eastern Sea — in China, divinity is earned by doing.
This volume gathers twelve of the most widely told, most representative Chinese myths, each a full telling: creation and salvation, love and regret. They are not doctrines enshrined in alcoves, but the way the Chinese have explained the world and housed their feelings.
Chaos parts as Pangu cleaves heaven from earth. Creation of the world — new life, and the origin of all things.
From chaos, a world begins. 02 Nüwa Nüwa Creates HumanityShe kneads clay into human beings and mothers all life. The origin of life — creation made with tenderness.
She breathes life into mankind. 03 Nüwa Mends the Sky Nüwa Mends the SkyShe smelts five-colored stones to mend the broken sky and saves all living things. Guardianship, responsibility, and the rebuilding of beauty.
Mend the broken world with mercy. 04 Kuafu Kuafu Chases the SunHe runs toward the sun without rest. Chasing one’s ideals, with reverence in the heart.
Chase the light, no matter how far. 05 Jingwei Jingwei Fills the SeaA little bird carries pebbles, day after day. Even the small can persevere — never give up.
Tiny will can move the sea. 06 Houyi Houyi Shoots Down the SunsHe shoots down the blazing suns and ends the calamity. Facing hardship head-on to protect the world.
Defeat disaster to protect the world. 07 Chang'e Chang'e Flies to the MoonShe flies to the moon palace beyond the clouds. Yearning for a lofty and sacred ideal.
Fly upward toward the sacred heaven. 08 Yu the Great Yu Tames the FloodHe channels the flood and brings peace to the Nine Provinces. Working with nature, building the homeland.
Wisdom calms chaos and builds home. 09 Shennong Shennong Tastes HerbsHe tastes herbs with his own body to find food and medicine. Selfless devotion; truth through exploration.
Sacrifice to bring blessings to all. 10 The Eight Immortals The Eight Immortals Cross the SeaThe Eight Immortals each cross the sea by their own art. Everyone has a path of their own — arrive by your own strength.
Each finds his own way across. 11 The White Snake Legend of the White SnakeCrossing every divide, pursuing a true heart. Brave and pure devotion.
Love dares to cross all boundaries. 12 Sun Wukong Sun Wukong’s Uproar in HeavenFearless of authority, free in spirit. The longing for freedom, unbent by restraint.
Brave to defend freedom.