Overview
This lecture covers the mythology of the Three Augusts and Five Emperors, legendary rulers predating China’s first dynasty, and discusses their lasting impact on Chinese culture, historical skepticism, and cross-cultural connections.
The Three Augusts and Five Emperors: Origins and Roles
- The Three Augusts and Five Emperors are mythical rulers considered moral exemplars in ancient Chinese tradition.
- Their stories help explain how Chinese people historically viewed their origins and ideals.
- Several versions exist, but the most accepted list comes from Sima Qian's "Records of the Grand Historian".
- The Three Augusts are credited with inventing key aspects of Chinese culture and technology.
The Three Augusts
- Fuxi: Invented marriage, hunting, fishing, and the Bagua; depicted as a human-headed, snake-bodied king.
- NĂĽwa: Sometimes Fuxi's sister or wife, creator of humanity, repaired the broken sky with stones and turtle legs.
- Shennong (“God Farmer”): Taught farming and herbal medicine, created tools and markets; depicted with a bull's head.
The Five Emperors
- Yellow Emperor (Huangdi): Ancestor of the Chinese, associated with inventions and war victories; unified clans.
- Emperor Zhuanxu: Wise, expanded rule, tracked celestial movements.
- Emperor Ku: Invented the calendar, noted for virtue and governance.
- Emperor Yao: Known for meritocracy and benevolent rule; refused to pass throne to unqualified son.
- Emperor Shun: Chosen for his virtue, appointed Yu the Great to control floods; transition to hereditary rule.
Mythology, Euhamerization, and Historical Skepticism
- The Three Augusts and Five Emperors are widely considered mythical due to lack of archaeological evidence.
- Euhamerization transformed divine figures into human rulers during the Warring States period.
- Oracle bones confirm later dynasties but not the Xia or earlier.
- Competing records (e.g., Bamboo Annals) provide alternative, sometimes conflicting, narratives.
Cross-Cultural Influence and Political Motives
- Myths influenced Hmong, Vietnamese, and Korean origin stories, often to boost dynastic legitimacy.
- Confucianism adopted these figures as moral models; Confucian societies claimed descent for prestige.
- Claims of descent sometimes served political or diplomatic agendas in Chinese history.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Three Augusts — Legendary culture-heroes credited with ancient inventions.
- Five Emperors — Exemplary sage-rulers upholding moral governance.
- Euhamerization — The process of transforming gods into historicized human figures.
- Meritocracy — System of appointing officials based on ability rather than lineage.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare for next lecture on Confucianism.
- Review the stories and virtues of the Three Augusts and Five Emperors.