Drawing on the sun, moon, dragon, phoenix, Nuwa, Yandi, Huangdi and other widely circulated cultural elements as examples, this book addresses the development and evolution of the most representative Chinese creation myths regarding nature, totems, ancestors and saints. The book not only interprets key creation myths, but also elaborates on the connection between the myths and some of the core values and concepts in Chinese civilization. For example, the long and jade culture is rooted in the Yellow Emperor's revered jade weapon. Further, the book reveals the kernels of truth in the myths by presenting new research findings and research methods.

A masterpiece that gathers contributions by the most accomplished mythologists in China The most representative source on Chinese creation myths to date Employs a narrative that authentically depicts and conveys the Chinese spirit

Autorentext

Tian Zhaoyuan, the creator of the Folkloric doctoral student cultivation station at East China Normal University, is the first director of the Institute of Folklore, executive director of the Chinese Folklore Society, and vice president of the School of Social Development at East China Normal University. He has published more than ten monographs, including Myths and Chinese Society and Mythology and Aesthetics, as well as over 100 papers.
Ye Shuxian is a professor at Zhiyuan College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and president of the Chinese Mythology Society and the Society of Chinese Literary Anthropology. A mythologist and literary anthropologist, he has a published more than ten monographs on Chinese mythological philosophy, literature and Anthropology, and over 100 papers.
Qian Hang is a professor at the College of Humanities and Communications, Shanghai Normal University, the supervisor of the master'slevel sociology program, executive director of the Social History Society of China, and a Chinese historian. He has published more than ten monographs, such as Study on the History of Patriarchal Clan System in Zhou Dynasty, and A New Exploration of the History of Chinese Clansmen, as well as over 100 papers.

Inhalt
Heaven Earth Sun Moon.- Chinese Natural Myth.- Creation Mankind and World.- Chinese Creation Myth.- Dragons Flying and Phoenixes Dancing.- Chinese Totem Myth.- Ancestors Huangdi and Yandi.- Chinese Ancestor Myth.- Holiness Yao and Shun.- Chinese Sage Myth.- Gun's and Yu's Regulating Waters.- Chinese Flood Myth.