The Story of Pan Gu | Chinese Myths and Legends

The story of Pan Gu is a Chinese legend of creation that dates back to the Three Kingdoms period (220 AD – 280 AD). The legend of Pan Gu is a symbol of the Chinese culture and worldview and has inspired many works of art and literature. The story reflects the Daoist philosophy of harmony between heaven and earth, and the importance of balance and order in the cosmos. The story also shows the respect and reverence that the Chinese have for nature and its elements, as well as the diversity and richness of life on earth. The story of Pan Gu is a fascinating and influential legend that has shaped the Chinese identity and imagination for centuries.

The origin of the story of Pan Gu is a matter of debate among scholars and historians. Some believe that the story is indigenous to China and was developed or transmitted through time to Xu Zheng, a Chinese author from the 3rd century AD, who was the first writer known to record it. Others suggest that the story originated in the mythologies of the Miao or Yao people of southern China, who have similar legends of a primordial giant who created the world. Some also see a parallel to ancient Hindu mythology of creation, where the god Vishnu sleeps on a serpent in the cosmic ocean and dreams of a lotus that contains the god Brahma, who creates the universe.