Chinese Mythology A to Z : [a Young Reader's Companion]

Annotation The myths of certain peoples have survived for hundreds, or thousands, of years. As they once offered answers to existential questions such as where do we come from and what happens after we die, these same myths today help students understand cultures other than their own. Because myths reflect the culture that produced them and often have deep roots in a society's history, they are not only enjoyable but also an ideal source of information about societies that flourished long ago. As humankind has become more technologically advanced and obtained a greater understanding of the forces that shape the world, science has often come to replace myth as the authoritative source for explanations of natural phenomena and answers to difficult questions. Still, in popular culture and in the creative arts especially, myths continue to resonate. The Mythology A to Z series explores the world's most important myths and legends in an accessible and highly entertaining manner. Each book in the series provides basic information for young students on the myths themselves as well as the heroes and villains, their exploits, and the places, events, and underlying beliefs found in the myths. Passing on the excitement and the sense of awe that the myths have evoked throughout the centuries, these books show students how myths have influenced cultures throughout the world, including their own. Each volume includes clear, vividly written entries on the major figures, places, stories, objects, and themes of a given mythology. The books are extensively cross-referenced, allowing readers to explore the fascinating connections among the varied entries, and illustrations bring certain aspects of the mythology tolife. For more than 3,000 years, from the ancient Xia dynasty to todays People's Republic of China, China has sustained one of the most advanced and culturally productive civilizations in the world. Renowned for the Great Wal Annotation For more than 3,000 years, from the ancient Xia dynasty to today's People's Republic of China, China has sustained one of the most advanced and culturally productive civilizations in the world. Renowned for the Great Wall of China, porcelain ceramics, a complex writing system, and philosophies such as Confucianism and Taoism, China is also the source of an impressive tradition of myth and folklore. Many deities, stories, places, and ideas populate Chinese mythology, and Chinese Mythology A to Z offers a readable introduction to these and other related topics. Covering everything from the Blue Dragon, bridge gods, and Buddha to carp, Chang Hsien, and Confucius, Chinese Mythology A to Z provides rare insight into the myths of the Chinese peoples, in a format that is easy to use and delightful to read. Containing hundreds of entries and illustrated throughout, the book brings Chinese myths to life, giving readers a glimpse of a culture that may be far different from the one that they are familiar with at home. Coverage includes: Buddhist deities and legendary characters Animal stories, such as the fox legends Important locations such as shrines and sacred places Allegorical figures such as the Jade Emperor, the Rain Master, and the Lord of the Granary, among others Contents......Page 4 Acknowledgments......Page 5 Introduction......Page 6 A......Page 18 B......Page 22 C......Page 28 D......Page 42 E......Page 52 F......Page 56 G......Page 64 H......Page 70 I......Page 76 J......Page 78 K......Page 82 L......Page 86 M......Page 96 N......Page 102 O......Page 106 P......Page 108 Q......Page 114 R......Page 118 S......Page 120 T......Page 130 U, V......Page 138 W......Page 140 X......Page 146 Y......Page 150 Z......Page 160 Important Gods and Mythic Figures......Page 168 Index......Page 171 Alphabetical entries cover Buddhist deities, legendary characters, sacred places and shrines, Chinese dynasties and beliefs, and animal legends and themes.