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The Great Contest between Chinese and Western Myths

电子杂志旅游2024-12-31
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The Great Contest
Between Chinese and Western Myths

Mythological Stories

Mythological stories, as the gems of human civilization, contain rich cultural connotations and profound ideological values. Pangu creating the world and Nuwa mending the sky, as well as God's seven-day creation and Prometheus stealing fire, respectively originate from different cultural backgrounds in the East and the West. They have many similarities and differences in story content, character images, moral and themes, and cultural influences. Through comparative analysis, we can better understand the differences and commonalities between Eastern and Western cultures.

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The description of the initial state of the world is similar: In the story of Pangu creating the world, the entire universe was in a chaotic and dark state before heaven and earth were separated; before God created the world, the world was also without order, in an empty and chaotic state.
The purpose of creating the world reflects the concern for life: Pangu creating the world and Nuwa mending the sky created the survival foundation for human beings. In Western creation myths, Prometheus stole fire for the well-being of human beings, reflecting the importance attached to life and the concern for the survival and development of human beings.

Similarities

The Background and Purpose of Creation

Characteristics of Character Images

The heroic and fearless qualities of heroic figures: Pangu used his powerful strength and fearless courage to break through the chaos and create heaven and earth. Prometheus dared to defy Zeus and steal fire for the benefit of human beings. They all showed a spirit of fearless courage.
The characters have the spirit of dedication and sacrifice: Nuwa mended the sky to save human beings, and Prometheus suffered for human beings. They all made great sacrifices for the interests of the world and human beings.

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The Moral and Theme of The Story

It contains the spirit of exploration of the unknown: Pangu creating the world symbolizes human beings' brave exploration of the unknown world. Western creation myths are also the exploration and thinking of the origin of the world and other unknowns, reflecting human beings' curiosity and thirst for knowledge about the mysteries of nature and the universe in the early days.
It emphasizes the relationship between human beings and nature: The stories of Pangu and Nuwa reflect the interdependence between human beings and nature. In Western myths, God created all things in nature, and human beings are a part of nature, which also involves the relationship between human beings and nature, reminding people to respect nature and conform to the laws of nature.

Differences

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The Way and Process of Creation

The self-sacrificing creation in Eastern mythology: Pangu created heaven and earth with his own strength and his body turned into all things after his death; Nuwa mended the sky also relied on her own strength to collect five-colored stones, kill the divine turtle, etc. Eastern mythology emphasizes that the creator creates the world through his own sacrifice and efforts.

The God-dominated creation in Western mythology: God created all things in the world in seven days through words and will, with obvious dominance of the will of God; Prometheus stole fire from the sun god for human beings on the basis of God's creation of the world. The Western creation process more prominently highlights the absolute authority and dominant position of God.

 The Cultural Connotations of Character Images

Eastern mythology reflects ancestor worship and national spirit: Pangu and Nuwa are ancestral images in Chinese mythology. Their stories reflect the pioneering spirit and dedication spirit of the Chinese nation and become symbols of the national spirit, reflecting the Chinese people's respect for ancestors and the tracing of their own cultural roots.
Western mythology emphasizes the hierarchy of gods and human characteristics: In Western mythology, God is at the highest level, and other gods perform their respective duties. The character images have more human characteristics, such as Zeus' anger and the admiration of the god of fire, reflecting the construction of the hierarchical order of gods and the understanding of the complex aspects of human nature in Western culture.

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The Spread and Cultural Influence Range of The Story

The profound influence of Eastern mythology in Asia: The stories of Pangu creating the world and Nuwa mending the sky are widely spread in China and are an important part of Chinese culture. They have a profound influence on the cultures of Asian regions. For example, relevant mythological elements can be seen in the cultures of countries such as Japan and South Korea, and they have become an important creative source and ideological basis in literature, art, and philosophy.
The dominant position of Western mythology in European and American cultures: God's seven-day creation and Prometheus stealing fire occupy a dominant position in European and American cultures and are an important part of Western religious culture. They influence the values, moral concepts, and literary and artistic creations of Westerners, become an indispensable part of Western culture, and are widely spread around the world, especially in the Christian cultural circle.

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- Albert Einstein

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