Defying the Heavens: Tales of Mortal Ambition

From chasing the sun to shooting down extra suns, from immortality to eternal devotion - stories of how mortals and immortals challenged the natural order and changed the world forever.

🎧 Listen to This Episode 📚 Explore All Episodes
🎙️ Visit our website for detailed show notes and visual references about these legendary tales


Key Mythological Concepts


San Zu Wu (三足乌) [san-zu-wu]
The divine bird representing the sun in Chinese mythology
Significance: Symbols of solar power and divine authority


Guang Han Gong (广寒宫) [guang-han-gong]
Chang'e's residence on the moon
Significance: Symbol of immortality and solitude


Jingwei (精卫) [jing-wei]
The determined bird who tried to fill the sea
Significance: Symbol of perseverance against impossible odds




Exploring Human Ambition


• Why do you think these stories of challenging the natural order were so important in Chinese mythology?


• How do these tales reflect the relationship between mortals and immortals in Chinese thought?


• What modern parallels can we draw from these ancient stories of ambition and its consequences?


• How do these myths reflect Chinese views on the balance between determination and acceptance?

Ver todos los episodios