Psychology

Myths and Legends of China (Annotated)

Enriched Edition. Study of Chinese FolkloreBy E. T. C. Werner

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Length13h 57m

About this audiobook

Myths and Legends of China is a capacious early-twentieth-century survey of Chinese cosmology, divine hierarchies, heroic tales, popular superstition, and religious folklore. Werner gathers creation myths, stories of culture heroes, dragon lore, immortals, ghosts, and temple deities into a prose style that is lucid, cataloguing, and comparativist. The book belongs to a formative period of English-language sinology, when Chinese narrative traditions were being translated, classified, and interpreted for Western readers within the broader study of myth and religion. E. T. C. Werner, a British diplomat and scholar who spent decades in China, wrote from unusually close acquaintance with Chinese language, custom, and official life. His consular career and residence in Peking gave him access to local traditions, texts, ritual practices, and informants. Though shaped by the assumptions of his era, his work reflects a sustained fascination with how Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist, and popular elements coexist in Chinese imagination. This volume is recommended to readers seeking an informed gateway into China's mythic world and to students interested in the history of sinological interpretation. It remains valuable not as the final word on Chinese mythology, but as a rich, readable compendium that preserves stories, categories, and scholarly perspectives central to understanding how China's legendary past was presented to the modern world. This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience. - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Mythological World Folklore Gods & Mortals Supernatural Magic Journey Exploration Hero War & Battle