Fengshen Yanyi - One of the Four Great Classical Novels of Ancient Chinese Mythological Fiction

Author: Xu Zhongmo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The Investiture of the Gods is one of the four great classical Chinese mythological novels. Mythological novels, also known as mythological fantasy novels, are a full embodiment of the ancient cultural tradition of "folk tales" in the realm of Ming and Qing Dynasty fiction. Lu Xun's Outline of the History of Chinese Fiction regards them as one of the two major trends in fiction after the mid-Ming Dynasty. At their core, mythological novels are products of entertainment culture, yet the larger Chinese culture they belong to carries the characteristics of rational culture. The principle of "mutual tolerance and love" serves as the meeting point between the two. By adding a dimension of mythological space to the human world, skillfully blending supernatural divinity with socialized humanity, and allowing boundless imagination to ideals and wishes while expressing emotions of love, hatred, joy, and sorrow: all of these are the unique strengths of mythological novels and key reasons for their widespread popularity and readership across urban and rural areas. Based on historical records and artistic embellishment, the book vividly portrays the debauchery of King Zhou of Shang and the revered status of King Wen and King Wu of Zhou. The entire work is filled with fantastical imagination reflecting humanity's desire to transcend nature, ascend to the heavens, and descend into the earth, making it a uniquely captivating mythological novel.