dc.description.abstract | This paper is to discuss the intrinsic spirit and symbolic of death-rebirth in mythos. The major methodology used is documentary review. By analyzing the content of mythos, examining the meaning of article structures, and reviewing previous statements of birth, death, and metamorphosis from scholars in Chin/Han Dynasty, this paper attempts to clarify the radical metaphor of death-rebirth in mythos.
First, by analyzing previous descriptions of rebirth behavior, this paper tries to understand primitive’s attitudes toward death. Many examples show primitive has strong concern about life when facing unchangeable faith, such as: Jing-Wei sea-fulfilling and Kua-Fu running-after-the-sun represent the spirit of defying the hardship and danger; mythos of Sun, Ji-You, and Xing-Tian reveal the unbeatable intrinsic power. In death-rebirth mythos, the process description of death to rebirth also conveys some cultures, such as: the dead body of Xing-Tian and Sha-Geng, and the death-rebirth of Ho-Chi are metaphors of Saturnalia; Rui-Xiang’death-rebirth reveals the intervals of year change; Yao-Ji mythos represents the Great mother custom; Lu-Yu’s death in winter and rebirth in summer represents what primitive has learned from turtle observing.
Second, the variable plots in mythos, in fact, involve primitive’s observations and acknowledgements of nature. An unspeakable, but can be experienced power exists in the universe to make metamorphosis happen. The metamorphosis images after re-birth, according to mythos, can be divided into three types: animal-like, plant-like, and original, which are choices from mythos standing for different meanings.
Third, this paper suggests that death in mythos actually provides a chance to change. It represents not merely an excuse of avoidance, but also an important timing. By pointing out this critical point, a rebirth afterwards enhances strong emotions that a mythos would like to convey. Simultaneously, death gives lives a chance to re-start. It can bring a new life, like crop and time revolve.
In conclusion, the experience of death aspires ancients’ thinking about lives and the universe. Death-rebirth in mythos is neither confusion, nor the imagination to avoid death. The key character in mythos uses its individuals to prove the hardships of lives, and to show the magic of nature. Through the breaking down limitations among species and transformation from death to birth, primitive’s thinking about life and death, and the universe can be understood. | en_US |