Wild Beasts
- Huang Di's use of a wild beast army in ancient China
- Depiction of women's roles in early myths and society
- Notable women and goddesses in Chinese history and mythology
- Empresses during the Tang Dynasty and their influence
- Wu, the founder of the Zhou Dynasty, and his legendary battles
Exploring Women, Goddesses, and the Founding Legend of the Zhou Dynasty
Legend of Huang Di, the Yellow Emperor
One of the ancient stories surrounding Huang Di, the YELLOW EMPEROR, suggests that he assembled a military force comprising wild animals, which had suddenly invaded China, using them to overcome his adversaries.
Role of Women in Chinese Myths
In many Chinese folktales and proverbs, wild animals and birds were frequently employed to symbolize proper human behavior. The portrayal of women in early myths and legends often mirrored their societal roles at the time of creation. Women were generally considered property, either of their fathers or husbands, with limited opportunities for education or remarriage, especially in poor families. The practice of foot binding, aimed at achieving beauty, further restricted women's lives.
Notable Women in Chinese History and Myth
While historical Chinese women faced limitations, exceptions existed in mythology. NÜ GUA, alongside her husband FUXI, is among the earliest Chinese deities, undertaking various adventures, including the reordering of the universe. The XIANG QUEENS, daughters of YAO, serve as river goddesses. Other notable figures include ZHANG E, identified with the MOON, and Woman Zhou Corpse, a deity overcoming drought.
Empresses and Goddesses in Chinese History
The Tang Dynasty marked a brief period of increased freedom for Chinese women, exemplified by Empress Wu or Wu Chao. However, this era's influence waned, and subsequent empresses held limited power in government. Notable goddesses like XI WANG MU and GUANYIN emerged in later Chinese mythology, overseeing aspects of nature and demonstrating mercy.
Wu - Founder of the Zhou Dynasty
Wu, the founder of the ZHOU DYNASTY, played a significant role in Chinese history. Believed to have ruled from 1111 to 1104 B.C., Wu defeated the Shang Dynasty, continuing the war started by his father WEN. Wu's fearlessness, even towards gods, is highlighted in legends. During a pivotal battle against King Zhou, he demonstrated courage against the river god, Lord Yang, and enlisted the support of various gods, including the RAIN MASTER and FENG BO.
Wu's Sword and Battle Strategy
Before the battle, Wu's sword broke into three pieces, interpreted by the Duke of Zhou not as an omen but as guidance for the impending conflict. They divided the army into three for the attack, joined by a diverse group of gods. Wu's encounter with the gods during a snowstorm further emphasizes his role as a model of action in Chinese myth, as seen in the narrative of WEN AND WU.