Myths and Legends of China

Pages: 599

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About this book

E. T. C. Werner, a British consul and barrister who spent years in Peking, gathered the myths that live in the minds of Chinese readers and recur most often in their literature. He worked mainly from native sources such as the Shên hsien lieh chuan and the Fêng shên yen i, translating or paraphrasing from them, and finished the preface in February 1922.

The book opens with a long chapter on the sociology of the Chinese, then moves to the creation myth of P'an Ku, the gods of China, the stars, thunder, waters and fire. Later chapters cover Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, the Eight Immortals, the monkey who became a god, and fox legends.

The original edition carried thirty-two colour plates by Chinese artists. It suits readers curious about Chinese religion and folklore.