Mythological Heroes 5--Comic Chinese Heroes

Author: Quan Yingsheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: "The Dragon Maiden of Mengshen" – Dragon maiden stories are passed down among various ethnic groups, with diverse themes and content. A similar version exists where the protagonist saves the prince of the dragon king. Upon expressing gratitude, the dragon king, under the instruction of the prince or other figures in the dragon palace, grants the protagonist a small dog or a bamboo basket. Upon returning home, the small dog and other items transform into beautiful women who marry the protagonist, and there are also plots involving struggles with a king or a wealthy merchant after marriage. There are also various dragon maiden stories that do not involve elements of repayment of kindness. Dragon maiden stories have been circulating in China for a long time. In the "Strange Stories from Youyang" by Jin Ganbao, there is a tale of Ou Ming from Luling who repeatedly offered gifts to Güzehu Lake and was rewarded with the maid of the lake god Qinghongjun. In the Tang Dynasty, Li Chaowei's "Legend of Liu Yi" is a romance novel reimagined based on dragon maiden stories. In the area around Dongting Lake, there is still a story similar to "Liu Yi" called "The Dragon Maiden Who Pastures Sheep." The plot summary is as follows: The third daughter of the dragon king of Dongting Lake is punished for breaking a precious cup gifted by the Jade Emperor and is forced to marry the son of a wealthy merchant. After marriage, she is mistreated by the merchant's family. While tending sheep by the lake, she encounters a young man named Liu Mingying. Liu Mingying helps the dragon maiden deliver a message, and the turtle prime minister leads the aquatic creatures to rescue the third princess. The dragon king hosts Liu Mingying and gives him a plate of pearls transformed from the tears of the dragon maiden. Upon returning home, Liu Mingying finds that the merchant's house has been sunk into the lake. This story seems to have some connection to "The Legend of Liu Yi." Stories like "The Dragon Maiden and the Third Young Master" and "The Hunter and the Dragon Maiden" are still in the folk. They combine the lives and customs of different ethnic groups, showcasing distinct ethnic characteristics. This book also includes three stories: "The Eastern Peak Emperor," "Nezha Causes Havoc in the Sea," and "Li Bing Exterminates Demons."