In Chinese Mythology, Anne Birrell provides English translations of some 300 representative myth narratives selected from over 100 classical texts, many of which have never before been translated into any Western language. Organizing the narratives according to themes and motifs common to world mythology, Birrell addresses issues of source, dating, attribution, textural variants, multiforms, and context. Drawing on exhaustive work in comparative mythology, she surveys the development of Chinese myth studies, summarizes the contribution of Chinese and Japanese scholars to the study of Chinese myth since the 1920s, and examines special aspects of traditional approaches to Chinese myth. The result is an unprecedented guide to the study of Chinese myth for specialists and nonspecialists alike.

Provides a brief history of Chinese history and religion, describes the gods and goddesses of Chinese mythology, and presents several myths.

Compiled from ancient and scattered texts and based on groundbreaking new research, Handbook of Chinese Mythology is the most comprehensive English-language work on the subject ever written from an exclusively Chinese perspective. This work focuses on the Han Chinese people but ranges across the full spectrum of ancient and modern China, showing how key myths endured and evolved over time. A quick reference section covers all major deities, spirits, and demigods, as well as important places, mythical animals and plants, and related items.

Readers are introduced to the elaborate mythology of ancient China. This book provides detailed discussion of the mythology's importance to its own culture and the impact it had on subsequent cultures. The numerous deities worshipped by the ancient Chinese are described and their importance to different groups and in different regions within the empire are explained. Stories are retold along with explanation of how they reflect the values and concerns of Chinese culture.

"Read how Panku created the world and Nuwa created people, the grand archer Yi, and seven other important Chinese myths"--Provided by publisher

While dragons and Chinese astrology are well embedded in popular culture, many other fascinating Chinese myths remain little-known. In this fascinating and readable new edition, author Te Lin explores the world of Chinese mythology, both telling us the timeless stories, and providing an explanation of what they may mean. A must-read for anyone interested in either Chinese culture, or mythology generally.

In 1978, faced with the pressure to modernize and a declining budget, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) reluctantly agreed to join China's economic reform drive, expanding its internal economy to market-oriented civilian production. This work examines PLA's role in the economy up to 1998.

This book focuses on reinterpreting mythical China from the perspective of the cultural theory of big tradition. It is divided into two parts: the first explains the theoretical development and features of the Chinese version of big tradition, identifying the differences between the Eastern and Western cultural traditions (big tradition and great tradition). The second part then reinterprets the core values and mythical ideas of Chinese civilization and traditional culture from the perspective of big tradition. Moving beyond the small tradition of text centrism and using new methods and materials, the book reveals the original meaning and the cultural coding function of big tradition during the preliterate period. Drawing on integrated evidence from literature handed down from ancient times, oral and intangible cultural heritage, tangible culture, cross-cultures, image culture and unearthed documents, the book interprets Chinese cultural traditions and spiritual values from local, archaeological, experiential and survival perspectives, to help readers better understand the mythical codes and genes of early Chinese culture.

An illustrated introduction to the stories of deities, heroes and the origins of the universe that underpin traditional Chinese culture.

Chinese mythology is a rich and intricate tapestry of stories, legends, and beliefs that have shaped the cultural and spiritual landscape of China for millennia. These myths not only entertain but also convey moral lessons, cultural values, and historical narratives that resonate deeply with the Chinese people. In a society where tradition and heritage are highly esteemed, mythology plays a vital role in connecting individuals to their past, providing a framework for understanding their identity and place in the world. The role of mythology in Chinese culture extends beyond mere storytelling; it serves as a lens through which people view the cosmos, nature, and humanity's place within it. Myths explain natural phenomena, the creation of the world, and the origins of important cultural practices, creating a sense of continuity and belonging across generations. Characters such as the Dragon, a symbol of power and auspiciousness, and the Jade Emperor, a central deity in Taoist cosmology, exemplify the deep-rooted connections between mythology and cultural identity. These figures embody qualities that the Chinese people aspire to, reinforcing ideals of strength, wisdom, and harmony.