Chinese mythological stories

Author: Shang Yanbin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Myth refers to the collectively created tribal stories of ancient peoples, based on their primitive understanding of the origin of the world, natural phenomena, and social life. Myths differ from legends, fables, and religion; they primarily express the ancient people's understanding of nature and the relationship between humans and nature through supernatural figures and fantastical forms. Historical content in legends, moral instruction in fables, and didactic meaning in religion are rarely found in myths. Myths typically feature gods as the main characters, including various natural deities and deified heroes. The plots of myths generally involve transformations, divine powers, and magic.