The “classic of mountains and seas” has been a source of inspiration for Asian artists, writers, and poets for centuries. It remains an invaluable resource for understanding early mythology and worldview.
The Shanhai jing offers a fascinating glimpse into the imagination and worldview of the ancient world. The book was divided into eighteen sections, it described over 550 mountains and 300 waterways. It provides insights into early Chinese cosmology, beliefs about the natural world, and the desire to explore the unknown. Its fantastical creatures with fantastical abilities continue to be depicted in art, literature, and popular culture.
Four Benevolent Beasts:
Qing Long - Azure Dragon: Ruler of the East, associated with water and spring. Often depicted as a serpentine creature with control over weather and water.
Zhu Que - Vermillion Bird: Ruler of the South, associated with fire and summer. Often depicted as a bird with vibrant red plumage and control over fire.
Bai Hu - White Tiger: Ruler of the West, associated with metal and autumn. Often depicted as a powerful white tiger with control over wind and metal.
Xuan Wu - Black Tortoise: Ruler of the North, associated with water and winter. Often depicted as a turtle entwined with a snake, symbolizing longevity and wisdom.
The Five Mountains: The “classic of mountains and seas” dedicates significant sections to five major mountain ranges, each associated with a cardinal direction and a specific element:
Eastern Mountains: Associated with wood and the East.
Southern Mountains: Associated with fire and the South.
Western Mountains: Associated with metal and the West.
Northern Mountains: Associated with water and the North.
Central Mountains: Associated with earth and considered the center of the world.
Mythical Mountains: The Shanhai jing also describes fantastical mountains with unique properties, such as:
Mount Kunlun: The legendary abode of the Celestial Emperor and various deities.
Mount Buzhou: A colossal pillar that once connected heaven and earth.
Floating Mountains: These mountains defy gravity and are said to roam the celestial realm.
While the Shanhajing doesn't have a dedicated section for giants, there are indeed some fascinating giant characters scattered throughout the text.
Jushi: Literally, translating to "Giant Man," the Jushi are a race of humanoids described as being exceptionally tall and strong. Some accounts depict them with multiple heads or arms, blurring the line between human and monstrous.
The reasons for the fantastical elements are debated. Some believe they represent real places and creatures embellished through storytelling. Others see them as purely symbolic representations of natural phenomena. While its historical accuracy may be debatable, its enduring legacy as a source of myth and wonder remains undeniable.
Nüwa was a very important figure in the Shan Hai Jing and oriental mythology in general, regarding her role in repairing the Pillar of Heaven. According to some accounts, a great battle caused the pillars supporting the sky to break, leading to floods and chaos. Nüwa is said to have patched the holes in the sky with multicolored stones.
The “classic of mountains and seas” has been a source of inspiration for Asian artists, writers, and poets for centuries. It remains an invaluable resource for understanding early mythology and worldview.
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