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Chinese mythology
Learn about this topic in these articles:
major reference
- In Chinese literature: Literary use of myths
…clear evidence that an organic mythology ever existed; if it did, all traces have been lost. Attempts by scholars, Eastern and Western alike, to reconstruct the mythology of antiquity have consequently not advanced beyond probable theses. Shang dynasty material is limited. Zhou dynasty (c. 1046–256 bce) sources are more plentiful,…
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creation myths and doctrines
- In creation myth: Creation from the cosmic egg
…of the Greeks and in Chinese myths.
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Daoism
- In Taoism: Symbolism and mythology
Much ancient Chinese mythology has been preserved by the Taoists, who drew on it to illustrate their views. A chaos (hundun) myth is recorded as a metaphor for the undifferentiated primal unity; the mythical emperors (Huangdi and others) are extolled for wise Taoist rule or blamed for…
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