Chinese Folklore Treasury Series -- Strange Sayings

Author: Wang Lingzheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-02-01
Features: This book is part of the "Treasured Series of Chinese Folktales." The term "" refers to stories about supernatural beings. These tales are closely related to myths, legends of immortals, and ghost stories, all of which originate from ancient folk beliefs and have evolved into a distinctive series of stories featuring gods, immortals, and supernatural creatures. As stories that describe supernatural beings and the people associated with them, their most prominent characteristic is their fantastical nature, evident in both the plot and the narrative techniques. The creators of these stories often believe in the power of nature, exaggerating real people and events according to their own wishes. The protagonists in these stories—"" (spiritual creatures) and "" (spiritual anomalies)—are transformed from animals, plants, and inanimate objects. These objects become spirits due to the spiritual powers they possess or are inhabited by. They can transform into humans and revert to their original forms, possessing both human-like qualities and the characteristics of their original forms. They intervene in people's lives, either bringing misfortune or bestowing blessings. Such stories are what we call "."