Investiture of the Gods

  • Fàng Hǔ Guī Shān (放虎归山)

    Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 放虎归山 Pinyin: fàng hǔ guī shān Literal Meaning: Set a tiger free and send it back to the mountains. Figurative Meaning: Spare a dangerous foe and let them escape, thus leaving hidden troubles and future threats.  Cultural Background This is a common cautionary Chinese idiom rooted in ancient military history.…

  • Shenguai Fiction

    Shenguai Fiction (“Tales of Gods and Strange Beings”) is a genre of classical Chinese fiction named for its focus on supernatural, divine, and monstrous themes. It is also commonly referred to as “shenmo xiaoshuo” (“gods-and-demons fiction”).

  • [Journey to the West] Devaraja Li and his pagoda

    In Journey to the West, Devaraja Li (also known as Heavenly King Li, Li Jing, Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King or Devaraja Pagoda-Bearer) is the supreme military commander serving the Jade Emperor. His character merges the Buddhist deva-king archetype (Buddhist guardian deity Vaiśravana, one of the Four Heavenly Kings) with the historical General Li Jing from…