SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • On the Snake Catcher

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    Juan

    – by Liu Zongyuan (Tang Dynasty) In the wilds of Yongzhou, there lives a strange snake: black-bodied with white markings. Any grass or tree it touches withers and dies; if it bites a person, nothing can save them. Yet, once captured and dried, it becomes a potent medicine – capable of curing leprosy, paralysis,…

  • On Horses

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    Juan

    by Han Yu (Tang Dynasty) In the world, only after there is a Bo Le can there be a “thousand-li horse” (a steed capable of running a thousand li in a day, see the story to pay thousand gold for a deed horse). Such exceptional horses are always present – but true judges like…

  • The Three Gorges

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    Juan

    — by Li Daoyuan (Northern and Southern Dynasties) For seven hundred li through the Three Gorges, towering mountains line both banks without a single gap. Layer upon layer of cliffs and peaks shut out the sky and hide the sun. Only at high noon or midnight can one glimpse the sun or moon.

  • Farewell on River Yi [Tang Poems]

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    Ana

    — Luo Binwang The hero left his friend With angry hair on end. The martyr’s now no more, The waves cold as of yore.

  • Lamenting the Peony Blossoms [Tang Poems]

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    Ana

    — Bai Juyi I’m saddened by the courtyard peonies brilliant red, At dusk only two of them are left on their bed. I am afraid they can’t survive the morning blast, By lantern light I take a look at the long, long last.

  • Peach Blossoms in the Temple of Great Forest [Tang Poems]

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    Ana

    — Bai Juyi All flowers in late spring have fallen far and wide, But peach blossoms are full-blown on this mountainside. I oft regret spring’s gone without leaving its trace; I do not know it’s come up to adorn this place.