Chapter 18 Section 4 Other Cultural Heroes

The Chinese nation has a splendid ancient civilization. From material culture to spiritual culture, there are the earliest inventors in all walks of life.Such a name can list a long list: According to legend, Boyi belongs to the Dongyi family. After moving westward, he was the ancestor of Qin Dynasty and once assisted Yu in leveling the soil and water.He made two major contributions to ancient culture: First, he invented well digging during the flood. "Bo Yi made a well, while the dragon climbed the Xuanyun, and the god lived in Kunlun." ("Huainanzi·Ben Jingxun") He dug the ground and dug the well, scaring away the dragon and the gods.With wells, people have one more way to fight drought.The other is good at taming vegetation and birds.Because of his ability, Shun appointed him as the official in charge of Shanze.People even exaggeratedly say that he can understand the language of birds, which is nothing more than describing his familiarity with the habits of the animals, so the birds and beasts obey his mercy.From this point of view, Boyi deserves to be the earliest breeding expert in ancient times.

Shaohao's son invented the bow and arrow. (See "Shan Hai Jing Hai Nei Jing") The discovery of wild silkworms, the invention of raising silkworms, and the creation of silk products were not in India or Japan, but in China. It is generally recognized as the legendary Leizu who married the Yellow Emperor, and Zhuanxu is their descendant. (See "Shan Hai Jing Hai Nei Jing") Lei Zu was regarded as the God of silkworms by later generations. The subordinate of the Yellow Emperor who was in charge of making pottery was called Ning Fengzi. Qinse was created by Emperor Jun's son Yan Long.Emperor Jun's eight sons are also the founders of singing and dancing.

Kui is the originator of music. The god of writing is Cangjie (jiejie).It is said that this god has the shape of a dragon and has four eyes.Calligraphy and painting were first invented according to bird tracks.After writing was created, corn fell from the sky, ghosts wept at night, and dragons hid themselves.The power of words can be seen. The most famous skilled craftsman in ancient times was Gongshu Pan, who was said to be from Lu, hence the name Luban.He was a contemporary of Mozi and had a very close friendship. The book "Mozi" records their exchanges.Lu Ban had many inventions and creations. When he was serving in the state of Chu, he invented a "hook" for the needs of boat warfare. When the enemy retreated, he could use the hook to hook the enemy's boat; "Rejection" is used to resist the enemy's attack.The ladder he invented was convenient for siege.The magpie he cuts bamboo and wood can fly in the air for three days.He can also sit on the wooden kite he made to spy on the situation of Song State for Chu State.Others say that he imitated the appearance of snails and invented the knocker for door locks; he is also the creator of stone mills.The story of Luban, from ancient times to the Middle Ages, to modern times, has spread more and more. According to the second volume of "Shu Yi Ji", the Mulan boat in Qilizhou on the Xunyang River was built by Lu Ban.It is also said that on the southern peak of Tianmu Mountain, there is a wooden crane carved by Luban, which can fly 700 miles in a row, and does not stop until it reaches the western peak of the mountain.Whenever it rains, the wooden crane seems to be ready to fly again.Gongshu Ban is a real historical figure. Because of his outstanding contribution in handicraft industry, he became a myth and legend, and was regarded as the ancestor of craftsmen by later generations.

Ji Yaqi is the Mongolian animal protection god. Meng Huo in the story is said to be a cultural hero who created clothes by the Yi people; his second brother Meng You created musical instruments and farming methods, and was proficient in medicine. Younger brother Mengling created bamboo tubes to engrave characters. ... Every nation has its own cultural heroes who have contributed to the Chinese civilization together, and they are all worth remembering in our hearts!