Chinese mythology includes a diverse pantheon of deities, creatures, and enlightened people, drawing from Taoist, Confucian, and Buddhist beliefs. Pangu created the universe and Fuxi and Nuwa created humanity. The Jade Emperor rules heaven and rewards those who follow moral values. The dragon is a benevolent symbol of wind and water, and one of the four sacred symbols of China.
Chinese mythology features a rich and varied pantheon of deities, supernatural creatures, and enlightened/deified people. It draws influence from traditional Taoist beliefs, Confucian philosophy and Buddhist beliefs. Like other mythologies, Chinese mythology includes a creation myth and a hierarchy of deities. The main body of Chinese mythology moved primarily through oral tradition until the 12th century BC when writing became a standard form of communication. The main body of mythology covers the period from the creation of the universe to the beginning of history with the Xia dynasty in 12 BC
Pangu was the first being in existence according to Chinese mythology and was responsible for the creation of the universe. After a cosmic egg formed from the initial chaos of the universe, Pangu slept within it for 18,000 years and awoke, separating the heavens, yang, from the earth, yin. He allegedly drove heaven and earth away every day until his death. Every part of his body became a part of the world: his bones became rock, his flesh became earth, his tears became rivers and oceans, etc., similar to the Norse myth of Ymir the frost giant.
After Pangu created the world, twin deities, Fuxi and Nuwa, created humanity. Nuwa, the goddess, fashioned the first generations of humans from clay. Because she created these first people individually, they were said to be stronger and smarter than those who came after.
The Jade Emperor is another important figure in Chinese mythology. He is the chief ruler and administrator of heaven and determines the fate of people when they die. People who adhere to Chinese society’s moral values such as filial piety, compassion, respect for authority, and respect for the community are rewarded with a place in ti’an, or heaven.
Chinese mythology also places great emphasis on the dragon. The Chinese dragon, unlike the Western dragon, is said to be benevolent and commonly affiliated with wind and water. It is responsible for rain, an important event for a traditionally agricultural society like ancient China. The Chinese people sometimes identify themselves as a descendant of the dragon as a whole. Unlike the western dragon, the Chinese dragon has no wings.
The dragon is one of the four sacred symbols of China. The Blue Dragon, Qing Long, represents the element of wood and the east direction. His counterpart, the White Tiger Bai Hu, represents the West and the element of metal. Meanwhile, the Vermilion Phoenix, Zhu Que, represents fire and protects the south. Xuan Wu, the black turtle, represents water. There is sometimes thought to be a fifth symbol, Huang Long, the Yellow Dragon of the Center, which represents the earth element.
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