![]() “In particular, some of the eastern monsters described by Herodotus are quite similar to those in Shan Hai Jing,” Liu said. The Histories documented geography, people, natural resources, different customs, birds and animals. Liu Zongdi, professor at the College of Humanities and director of the Institute of Cultural History at Beijing Language and Culture University, has studied Shan Hai Jing, comparing it with The Histories by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus. In recent years, it has also become a source of inspiration for pop culture, cross-cultural exchanges and comparative studies. The work - and others featuring ancient myths and monsters - have inspired artists and authors throughout history. An encyclopedic account of people’s views of the world at that time, the 30,000-word book documents some 40 states, 550 mountains, 300 waterways, more than 100 historical figures and 400 mythical monsters. Shan Hai Jing, a compilation of mythic geography and beasts, took shape before the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), which built China’s first empire. The goddess, the epitome of beauty, lived on the moon with her pet rabbit.Īnother debutant in the book was Zouwu, a five-colored mythical creature that features in the movie series Fantastic Beasts, directed by David Yates. Its unique blend of mythology, geography, and history provides a fascinating insight into the beliefs and customs of ancient China, and its influence can still be seen in modern Chinese culture today.Ancient text featuring myths influences creators of popular web content, TV series, video gamesĬhang’e, China’s lunar probe, is named after a legendary goddess in ancient fairy tales, but few people know that she first appeared in the book Shan Hai Jing, or The Classic of Mountains and Seas, which is thought to have been written during the late Warring States Period (475-221 BC). In conclusion, the Shanhaijing is a remarkable work of Chinese literature that has had a profound impact on Chinese culture and art. The text provides a unique window into the world of ancient China and the beliefs and practices of its people, and is an important part of the country’s rich cultural heritage. The creatures and landscapes described in the text have been depicted in paintings, sculptures, and other works of art, and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and astrology.ĭespite its age, the Shanhaijing remains a valuable resource for historians and scholars studying ancient Chinese culture and beliefs. The text has inspired countless works of literature, art, and music throughout Chinese history, and continues to be an important source of inspiration for artists and writers today. One of the most interesting aspects of the Shanhaijing is its influence on Chinese culture and art. It also describes various geographical features such as mountains, rivers, and lakes, and their associated myths and legends. It describes a vast array of creatures, including dragons, phoenixes, sea monsters, and other mythical beasts. ![]() The text is a fascinating mix of geography, history, and mythology, and provides a glimpse into the ancient beliefs and customs of the Chinese people. The book also contains a number of illustrations, some of which are considered to be among the earliest surviving examples of Chinese art. The Classic of Mountains includes descriptions of various mountains and the creatures that inhabit them, while the Classic of Seas describes the different seas and the creatures that live in them. The text of Shanhaijing is divided into two parts: the Classic of Mountains and the Classic of Seas. It is believed that the content of Shanhaijing was based on oral traditions and regional myths that were passed down through generations. According to historical records, the book was compiled by different authors over a long period of time, starting from the Warring States period (475-221 BC) and continuing through the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) and the Wei-Jin period (220-420 AD). The authorship and compilation of Shanhaijing are still debated by scholars. The Shanhaijing is composed of eighteen volumes, each describing a different region of China and the various mythical creatures that inhabit them. The Shanhaijing, also known as the Classic of Mountains and Seas, is a collection of Chinese mythology and geography, and is one of the oldest known texts in Chinese literature.
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