Overview
This lecture recounts "The Soul of the Great Bell," a Chinese tale about sacrifice, duty, and filial love set during the Ming Dynasty.
The Emperor's Command
- The Ming Emperor Yongle ordered the official Kuan Yu to cast a grand bell audible for 100 li (a distance measure).
- The bell must be made stronger with brass, deeper with gold, sweeter with silver, and inscribed with sacred sayings.
- The bell was to be placed in Beijing, the imperial capital.
The Failed Castings
- Kuan Yu gathered expert bell makers and laborers to construct the bell.
- Despite their efforts, the metals (gold, brass, silver, iron) would not blend, and the castings failed repeatedly.
- After two failures, the emperor warned Kuan Yu that another failure would cost him his life.
Kongai's Sacrifice
- Kuan Yu's daughter, Kongai, loved her father deeply and sought to save him.
- She consulted an astrologer, who said only the sacrifice of a maiden’s flesh and blood would unite the metals.
- During the third attempt, Kongai sacrificed herself by jumping into the molten metal.
The Successful Bell
- Kongai's sacrifice allowed the metals to blend perfectly, resulting in a flawless and beautiful bell.
- The bell’s sound was more powerful and mournful than any other, said to echo Kongai’s name and sighs.
- Local legend says the bell's moaning is Kongai crying for her lost shoe.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Li — A traditional Chinese unit of distance (approx. 0.5 km).
- Yongle — The Ming Dynasty emperor who commissioned the bell.
- Kuan Yu — The official responsible for casting the bell.
- Filial Piety — Deep respect and love for one's parents, central to the story.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the literary analysis and themes provided in the lecture description.
- Prepare for discussion on the role of sacrifice and duty in Chinese folklore.