BlogChinese CultureBeginner’s Guide to Chinese Mythology and Folklore

Beginner’s Guide to Chinese Mythology and Folklore

Chinese Mythology and Folklore sculpture

When you hear the word “mythology,” you probably picture Greek gods and goddesses bickering on Mount Olympus, right? Well, get ready to swap your laurel wreaths for jade pendants because Chinese mythology is a whole different kettle of immortal fish. It’s older than your grandma’s jokes, more complex than a plate of mapo tofu, and frankly, way more interesting. And don’t even get us started on Chinese folklore; it’s like a never-ending tale told by your slightly eccentric uncle.

So, put on your metaphorical thinking cap, grab a cup of tea (we recommend Oolong for maximum cultural immersion), and let’s explore this rich and fascinating world.

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What’s the difference? Mythology vs folklore

Before we get into the legendary beasts, it’s crucial to know the difference between mythology and folklore so we don’t accidentally start worshipping a friendly neighborhood ghost.

Mythology: Think grand narratives, creation stories, powerful deities, and cosmic battles. These are the tales that explain the world’s origins, the rise of civilizations, and the meaning of life (or at least, what the ancients thought was the meaning of life). It’s the A-listers of the supernatural world, basically.

Folklore: This is where we get into the everyday. Think local legends, superstitions, magical creatures, and morality tales passed down through generations. These stories are often more grounded, reflecting the common people’s beliefs, fears, and hopes. Imagine it as the B-side of the greatest hits album that is Chinese mythology.

In short, if mythology is the epic blockbuster, folklore is the quirky indie film. Both are amazing, but they have totally different vibes.

The grand creation story (how the world got started according to the Chinese)

Ready for a creation myth with a twist? Ditch your tired old “seven days” story, and let’s get to the good stuff.

In the beginning (and we’re talking way back), there was chaos — a giant, formless mass, like a cosmic blob of Play-Doh. Then came Pangu (盘古), the first being. He was a giant (naturally) who was born in this chaos and used his tools to shape the world, separating the sky from the earth.

Now, here’s the slightly gruesome bit. When Pangu died, his body parts became the world. His breath became the wind, his voice became thunder, and his eyes became the sun and moon. Pretty hardcore, right? It’s a story that’s a cornerstone of ancient Chinese mythology.

Chinese mythological creatures

Okay, brace yourselves because things are about to get seriously wild. Chinese mythological creatures are a cast of characters unlike any other.

The dragon (龙 — lóng): We can’t talk about Chinese mythology without mentioning the big guy, the dragon. Unlike their fire-breathing, maiden-snatching Western counterparts, Chinese dragons are generally benevolent creatures, often associated with water, power, and good fortune. They control the rain and rivers and are a symbol of imperial power. There’s even a whole branch of study on Chinese dragon mythology for true fans of the topic.

The phoenix (凤凰 — fènghuáng): The phoenix is a majestic bird, symbolizing grace, rebirth, and the Empress. This is the Yin to the Dragon’s Yang, and these two powerful forces are often paired together in Chinese mythology and folklore.

The Qilin (麒麟 — qílín): The Qilin in Chinese mythology is a chimera with the body of a deer, the tail of an ox, and the hooves of a horse. It’s considered a benevolent creature and only appears in times of peace and prosperity. Basically, if you see one, things are going pretty well.

The Pixiu (貔貅 — píxiū): This winged lion-like creature is known for attracting wealth and preventing bad luck. Many people keep images of Pixiu at home, as it’s believed to be a very lucky charm.

The nine-tailed fox (九尾狐 — jiǔwěihú): Don’t let the cuteness fool you; the nine-tailed fox is a shape-shifting spirit, often depicted as a seductive femme fatale. They can be both good and bad, depending on their mood (and who they’re trying to seduce).

Related Reading: Symbols of Birth and Life in Chinese Culture

The benevolent and the not-so-benevolent (gods, goddesses, and mischief makers)

It wouldn’t be mythology without a good pantheon of gods and goddesses, now, would it?

Nuwa (女娲 — Nǚwā): A central figure in Chinese mythology, Nuwa is credited with creating humans from clay and patching up the sky after it was damaged. She’s the ultimate multi-tasker!

The Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝 — Yù Huáng Dàdì): He’s basically the CEO of the celestial world, in charge of all the gods and goddesses. It’s said that he got his position by showing extreme dedication, something we can all relate to when studying Chinese!

Guan Yu (关羽 — Guān Yǔ): Originally a general, he was deified after his death and is known as the God of War and Righteousness. This guy definitely knew how to throw a punch!

The Monkey King (孙悟空 — Sūn Wùkōng): This isn’t necessarily a god, but this mischievous, immortal monkey is a legendary trickster who plays a vital role in one of China’s most famous stories: Journey to the West. He’s basically the ultimate rule-breaker.

Chinese flood mythology

Just like many ancient cultures, China has its own flood mythology, where the world was once submerged under an epic deluge. In this story, Yu the Great is the hero. Instead of building an ark (like Noah) he decided to dig canals and redirect the water, saving mankind from certain doom. It’s a slightly more practical approach than the Noah model, perhaps?

The role of animals in Chinese mythology and folklore

Animals play a HUGE role in both Chinese mythology and folklore. They often have symbolic meanings and appear in many different legends.

Tigers (虎 — hǔ): Tigers in Chinese mythology are often symbols of power, courage, and protection. They’re also associated with the military. It’s why you might find that Chinese parents are keen to instill a spirit of “the tiger” in their kids!

Snakes (蛇 — shé): The role of the snake in Chinese mythology is quite complex. They can be seen as symbols of both good fortune and evil. However, there are some stories of shape-shifting snake spirits who can cause trouble, so, you know, keep an eye out.

Rabbits (兔 — tù): Representing gentleness and good fortune. The jade rabbit in the moon is a popular motif in Chinese legends.

Chinese folklore and everyday magic

Now, let’s move to the weird and wonderful world of Chinese folklore. This is where things get personal and a bit more practical.

Ghost stories: Don’t be surprised if you hear some spooky tales of ghosts and demons. They’re often connected to places with tragic histories or unfulfilled desires.

Local legends: Every village and city has its own stories about magical happenings, cursed objects, or heroic figures. These local legends are often passed down by word of mouth.

Superstitions: The number four is considered unlucky because it sounds similar to the word for “death” in Chinese. So avoid any group of four people or, indeed, a four-story building.

Monsters in Chinese folklore

Okay, we’re going to wrap this up with a look at the Chinese folklore monsters!

Jiangshi (僵尸 — jiāngshī): These are the famous hopping vampires who often appear as reanimated corpses. Don’t worry; they’re only able to jump, so if you can run fast, you should be fine.

Gui (鬼 — guǐ): This is the generic term for “ghost,” and there are many types, so be aware. It’s like having different genres for spirits, from the dramatic to the slightly annoying.

Nian (年 — nián): This is the beast behind the Chinese New Year celebrations. He’s a fearsome monster that comes out to terrorize people. Thankfully, noise and the colour red scare him away!

Dipping your toes further into Chinese mythology books

Want to learn more about all of the above? Here’s a quick guide to some excellent Chinese mythology books:

Journey to the West (西游记 — Xīyóu Jì): A classic of Chinese literature, full of deities, demons and plenty of adventure. We’ve already mentioned The Monkey King, and that’s all you really need to know.

Classic of Mountains and Seas (山海经 — Shānhǎi Jīng): This ancient text is like a bestiary of Chinese myths and geography with some really weird and wonderful characters in it.

Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio (聊斋志异 — Liáozhāi Zhìyì): For those who like their tales a little bit spooky, this collection is filled with ghosts, demons, and magical realism.

Learning Chinese through mythology and folklore

You’ve got your head around the pantheon of deities, and you know the difference between a Pixiu and a nine-tailed fox, so what can you take from this as a learner of Mandarin? We at Mandarin Blueprint feel there are a few ways you can use this knowledge to your advantage.

Firstly, it’s a cultural treasure trove for vocabulary. You’ll encounter words for deities, creatures, and concepts that just don’t exist in English. By learning these words in their cultural context, you’ll not only improve your Chinese but also understand the culture at a far more profound level. Learning a phrase such as lóng fèng chéng xiáng (龙凤呈祥) meaning “prosperity brought by the dragon and phoenix” means so much more when you know the background of these creatures!

Secondly, these stories offer a compelling way to practice reading and listening in Chinese. The tales are already there to be found in Chinese, from children’s stories to full-length novels and even TV shows. Learning the myths and folklore in Chinese is a fantastic way to stay motivated and engaged. There’s nothing better than getting to know these fascinating tales first-hand.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, understanding the cultural significance of Chinese mythology and folklore is vital for any serious student of the language. It allows you to appreciate the nuances of Chinese culture, understand idioms and phrases, and engage in more meaningful conversations. How can you have a conversation about Chinese culture with a native speaker without having a working understanding of the stories they grew up with?

So, forget the flashcards for a moment, put down the textbooks, and immerse yourself in the world of Chinese myths and folklore. It’s fun, it’s educational, and who knows, maybe the Jade Emperor is watching, ready to grant you a passing grade on your next Chinese exam. Or maybe, just maybe, a dragon will grant you a wish! What do you have to lose?

From Chinese mythology to Mandarin mastery

You’ve peeked behind the curtain at the world of Chinese folklore, learning tales that have been told for centuries. Now, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, this is all fascinating, but how does this help me learn Chinese?” Well, that’s where we come in.

Imagine having the ability to unlock the secrets of these stories, to understand the rich culture, all while becoming fluent in Mandarin. What if, instead of just reading about mythical beasts, you could discuss them with a native speaker? What if you could read ancient texts in their original language, accessing the source material behind those fantastic tales?

You can, with the Mandarin Blueprint Challenge! Forget rote memorization and endless flashcards; this is about transforming your understanding of the language, one story, one cultural gem, one real-world conversation at a time. Our curriculum was built with the express goal of achieving linguistic fluency in record time by focusing on mastering the foundational elements of the language — and all this without the boredom!

Here’s the kicker. For a limited time, you can snag the keys to The Mandarin Blueprint Challenge and get a lifetime pass to our complete curriculum and a fantastic community of over 1,600 fellow Mandarin adventurers. And, to sweeten the pot even further, you’ll get access to course materials and bonuses worth over $1,996, but right now, all of it’s totally, completely, utterly… FREE!

Don’t let this opportunity flutter away faster than a phoenix into the sky! Click the button below, register today, and become the Mandarin-speaking myth-buster that you’re destined to be!

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