Chinese culture differs a lot from the Greek one, so it is amazing to find that there are so many similarities between Greek gods in Greek myth and Chinese gods in Chinese traditional myth. First of all, they all have a holy system in which different gods play the different roles and control the different aspects of normal human beings’ society, which is quite different from the subsequent Christian style. The two all have a king of all gods as well as a powerful queen. The interesting thing is that both the two queens are famous for their jealousy toward young couples and this common feature is recorded in each other’s story. In addition, they both have a god in charge of oceans and seas, the Greek one called Poseidon and the Chinese one called the dragon king. There are many more examples, namely the god in charge of death, the god in charge of love and marriage and so on and so forth.
However, the differences are also significant. Basically, the Greek gods who share many similar characteristics with normal people are more humanised, while the Chinese gods are supposed to behave more decently. In stories Greek gods often do what they like, some of which even cause serious disasters to human beings. Meanwhile, there are stories that those who violate the holy rules such as falling in love with normal people are severely punished in Chinese myth. This difference also can reflect the modern difference that the western society emphasizes more on individualism while the Chinese society emphasizes more on commune.
Those similarities and differences between gods are probably due to the similarities and differences between Chinese and Western cultures.
Yes,it's interesting to find those similarities in Chinese gods and Greek gods. I think it is because the ways in which humans cultures developed in different areas are similar. Our ancestors didn't know causes of many natural phenomenon, so they came up with the idea of gods. Besides, I think it's better if you just focus on one kind of god in Greek and Chinese cultures with more specific illustration to do the comparison, because if so, the passage might be more impressive.
ReplyDeleteyou expressed your main point clearly, but there is not enough supports, besides,i think it will be better if you focus on one feature or one similar god
ReplyDeleteYou discuss the “The similarities and differences between Greek gods and Chinese gods .But as Menglan and Junfan put,you should explain it more clearly .I think it should be mach better if you show more examples to support on the body of your article.If your reader has never read about the Chinese fairy tales ,he might be totally confused about what you write since you do not have any clearly represent of the Chinese gods.
ReplyDeleteHowever ,I think I can learn from the language and organization of your article.
you have a good knowledge of both western and chinese fairy tales.it is an interesting and attractive topic. and you deep in the cause behind the differences.but it should be more specific,and provide more supports you know.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that you know quit a lot of knowledge about various things, after reading you blog I benefit a lot, but you want to cover so many aspects that every aspect you just explain a little. I think if you focus on two or three things, this blog would be better.
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