Preface by Lang Ying
Preface by Mark Bender
Translator's Foreword
Profile of the Author
Introduction
Chapter One Forms
I.Typical Earlier Forms:Sacrificial Rites
Ⅱ.Forms in Production and Wars
Ⅲ. Forms in Rites of Passages
Ⅳ. Motives and the Transcendence of Formal Functions
Chapter Two Origin
I. Internal Drive:“Desire to Conquer” and“Desire to
Identify”
Ⅱ. From Totems to Early Ancestors, from Sacrificial Articles to
Epics
Ⅲ. From God-worshipping to Power Worshipping, from Sacredness to
Earthiness
Ⅳ. From Dissemination to Reorganization, from Diverse Editions to
Established Editions
Chapter Three Epic Struggles and Conflicts
I.Chaos, the Creation of the W orld,and the Origins of H umans
II.Creation,Innovation,and Early Traces
Ⅲ.Plunder,Protest, and Tribal Migration
Ⅳ.Promoting Virtue,Punishing Evil, and Ethnic Unity
Chapter Four Narrative Themes
I. The Theme of Magical Conception in the Epics of Panhu
II. The Theme of Floods in Epics about Fuxi and Nüwa
Ⅲ. The Theme of Transformation in Epics about Pangu
Ⅳ. Themes of Shooting Down Suns and Fighting Against
Thunder
V. The Theme of the Test in Epic Narratives
ⅥI.Themes of Separation and Reunion in Epic N arratives
Chapter Five Images
I. Intelligent Animals and H uman-Animal Hybrids
II.Gods and Early A ncestors with the Features of Clan Leaders
Ⅲ.Heroes Fighting Against Nature
Ⅳ.Heroes in Tribal Conquests
V.The Rise of Feudal Lords as Heroes
Chapter Six Art
I.Original Artistic Factors:Vividness,Emotion,and
Imagination
Ⅱ.Symbols and Metaphors
Ⅲ. Narration and Structure
Ⅳ.Description and Languages
Chapter Seven Culture
I.Cultural Characteristics and Cultural Spirit
Ⅱ.Priests and Singers: Taught by Teachers and"Blessed by the
Gods
Chapter Eight Comparison
I.A Microculture Within a Macroculture:A General Resemblance
