Lushichuanshuo
Introduction
Lushichuanshuo is a fascinating collection of ancient Chinese legends and myths. These stories have been passed down through generations, captivating readers with their vivid imagery and moral teachings. In this article, we will explore three captivating tales from Lushichuanshuo and delve into the cultural and historical significance they hold.The Legend of Houyi and Chang'e
One of the most well-known legends in Lushichuanshuo is the story of Houyi and Chang'e. It is said that long ago, there were ten suns in the sky that scorched the earth, causing devastation and suffering. To save humanity from this plight, the great archer Houyi rose to the challenge.Houyi shot down nine of the suns, leaving only one to provide light and warmth for the world. As a reward for his bravery, he was granted the elixir of immortality. However, Houyi did not consume the elixir immediately. He wanted to achieve human perfection through cultivation before becoming immortal.
One day, while Houyi was out, his wife Chang'e discovered the elixir. Curiosity overwhelmed her, and she decided to consume it. As a result, Chang'e attained immortality and floated to the moon. When Houyi found out, he was devastated and tried to reach his beloved wife on the moon.
This legend explains the origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival in China. During this festival, people offer sacrifices to the moon and enjoy mooncakes to celebrate the eternal love between Houyi and Chang'e. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of self-control and the consequences of succumbing to temptation.
The Tale of Nezha
Nezha, known as the marshal of the central altar, is another prominent character in Lushichuanshuo. He was born to Li Jing and Lady Yin by divine means. Nezha possessed incredible strength and could transform his body into various weapons.However, his unparalleled abilities and mischievous nature led to his reckless behavior. Nezha once offended the East Sea Dragon King and destroyed his precious pearl. In retaliation, the Dragon King sent his third son to seek revenge on Nezha.
After a fierce battle, Nezha defeated the son of the Dragon King. Instead of killing him, Nezha showed mercy and spared his life. This act of compassion surprised and moved the Dragon King, leading to a resolution of the conflict.
The tale of Nezha teaches us the values of bravery, righteousness, and forgiveness. Nezha's transformation from a hot-headed warrior to a compassionate hero exemplifies the importance of personal growth and the ability to make amends.
The Story of Madam White Snake
The enchanting story of Madam White Snake is one of the most enduring love stories in Chinese mythology. It revolves around a white snake spirit named Bai Suzhen and a mortal scholar named Xu Xian.Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian fell in love and got married. However, their happiness was short-lived as the Buddhist monk Fa Hai discovered that Bai Suzhen was a spirit. He believed that spirits and humans should not be together and set out to separate them.
After several failed attempts, Fa Hai managed to imprison Xu Xian in a pagoda. Bai Suzhen, desperate to save her husband, sought help from her loyal sister Xiao Qing. Together, they waged a courageous battle against the monk and ultimately rescued Xu Xian.
The story of Madam White Snake symbolizes the power of love and the willingness to overcome any obstacles for the sake of one's beloved. It also conveys the importance of loyalty, friendship, and resilience in the face of adversity.
