The Butterfly Lovers, Part 1
The Mythographist
Forbidden love, gender bending, deception, vows, humor, heartbreak, mystical transformations — while I can’t say that every great story has to have these four elements, they’re certainly prevalent in a lot of the stories we hold in high regard in the West, from Shakespeare to Bugs Bunny. Of course, these elements aren’t bound by culture; they’re part of the human experience, and this week, we’ll look at another of China’s Four Great Folktales, which just so happens to feature all of these: the story of Zhu Yingtai and Liang Shanbo. In my experience, it’s one of the most beloved...
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Lady Meng Jiang
The Mythographist
Even if you don’t know anything else about China, if you’re listening to this podcast, you’ve most likely heard of the Great Wall. It’s often cited as one of the wonders of the world, and not without reason — it is genuinely a marvel of human workmanship. Like any structure of this scale, though, the Great Wall’s construction was not without human cost, and this echoes through the pages of history and cultural memory. Today, we’ll look at a widely-known story that tells of one woman’s relationship with the Great Wall — one of China’s Four Great Folktales. Join me, Jaer...
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Qu Yuan's Last Poem
The Mythographist
This coming week, people all across Mainland China celebrate Duanwu, a holiday known here in the West as Dragon Boat Festival. They eat zongzi — little pyramid-shaped snacks made of glutinous rice, stuffed with something sweet or savory and wrapped in bamboo leaves. But the origin of this holiday is a little bit darker than the tasty food might lead you to believe. Last week, we looked at Questions of Heaven, a poem that seems to be one royal advisor’s expression of frustration of with his king, who appeared intent on sabotaging himself and the nation he was supposed to be ruling. This...
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Questions of Heaven
The Mythographist
Today, we’re looking at the story behind a poem. But don’t skip this episode just yet, because this Chinese poem from two thousand years ago is unique — and uniquely relevant to this podcast — in that it tells us about the myths and legends that were important to the poet’s audience, in a very particular style, for a very particular purpose. And the way it does that — well, you’ll hear all about it. Join me, Jaer Christie, as I explore the hidden legends that shape the world on The Mythographist: Myths of Mainland China. ___________________ ____________________ Written,...
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Yu the Great Stops the Flood
The Mythographist
Last week, we witnessed Gun, along with his friends the tortoise and the swallow, steal xirang, a magical living soil, from the heavenly realms in order to stop a cataclysmic flood — only to be struck down by the Supreme Divinity, along with all they worked to build. This week, the second half of the story: the struggle for survival against the unforgiving elements, continued by Yu as he works to control the waters. Join me, Jaer Christie, as I explore the hidden legends that shape the world on The Mythographist: Myths of Mainland China. _______________________________ ...
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Gun Steals Xirang
The Mythographist
Imagine the worst rain you’ve ever seen, and imagine that lasting for weeks, months, even years. Cultures around the world tell stories like this — flood myths, we call them, and we’ve looked at a few from China already. This week and next week, though, we’ll cover another one, possibly the most important: the story of a flood, a supernatural heist, and incredible dedication to the people and the nation. Join me, Jaer Christie, as I explore the hidden legends that shape the world on The Mythographist: Myths of Mainland China. _______________________________ Written,...
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The Battle of Zhuolu
The Mythographist
War is an ugly thing — blood, pain, and loss are inevitably bound up on both sides of any conflict, in any era. But, as we know, humans are experts at making anything into a story, and fighting is no exception. The Trojan War; the three hundred Spartans at Thermopylae; the Normandy landing in the Second World War; Hannibal’s defeat — our history books and entertainment alike are filled with dramatic portrayals of pivotal moments, legendary battles, epic wars, mighty heroes and their heroic deeds. China certainly has its share of important battles in its nearly four millennia of recorded...
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Huang Di Meets Baize
The Mythographist
What gives a leader their power? The answer to that question is, ultimately, “the people following them” — a sentiment that's been expressed as “the consent of the governed,” however that consent might be gained. So, if you’re a monarch, what’s one of the most important things you can do to stay king? You have to convince the people that you’re the best person for the job. And, as with so many other situations, one of the most effective ways of doing that is with stories. In European cultures, it’s often called the “divine right of kings,” and in dynastic China, a very...
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Jingwei and the Sea
The Mythographist
Have you ever been so mad at something that you decided you wanted to kill it? Has that thing ever been the ocean? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then you have a lot in common with the daughter of Yan Di, China’s Flame Emperor. This week, we look at what I believe is one of the most important Chinese myths, and its genuinely surprising moral implications. Join me, Jaer Christie, as I explore the hidden legends that shape the world on this episode of The Mythographist: Myths of Mainland China, Jingwei and the Sea. Written, narrated, and produced by Jaer Christie...
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The Legend of Erlang Shen, Part II: The Woman Under the Mountain
The Mythographist
Last week, we began the story of Erlang Shen, the vagrant boy who tamed the dog that tried to eat the sun and, with his sister, was adopted by the mystic Yuding Zhenren. After many years of studying with the master, he reveals to them that their mother was a goddess who came to earth and suffered a mortal wound defending humankind from a terrible dragon. And this week, we complete that story, and learn why Erlang Shen is held in such high esteem as a model son. Join me, Jaer Christie, as I explore the hidden legends that shape the world on The Mythographist: Myths of Mainland China. ...
info_outlineForbidden love, gender bending, deception, vows, humor, heartbreak, mystical transformations — while I can’t say that every great story has to have these four elements, they’re certainly prevalent in a lot of the stories we hold in high regard in the West, from Shakespeare to Bugs Bunny.
Of course, these elements aren’t bound by culture; they’re part of the human experience, and this week, we’ll look at another of China’s Four Great Folktales, which just so happens to feature all of these: the story of Zhu Yingtai and Liang Shanbo. In my experience, it’s one of the most beloved and frequently referenced stories in China, with all the suspense and drama you could hope for.
Join me, Jaer Christie, as I explore the hidden stories that shape the world on The Mythographist: Myths of Mainland China.
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Written, narrated, and produced by Jaer Christie
Research by Jaer Christie & Elena Tung
Music:
"The Night" and "Dancing Abroad" by Shaoqing Luna Li - https://filmmusic.io/u/sqluna/music
License CC BY 4.0 - https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
"An Autumn Moon Over the Han Palace" and "High Mountains, Running Rivers" from the collection The Essence of Famous Chinese Folk Music, used under CC fair use