Legends of the Ancient Xia and Shang

Introduction to The Epic of the Ancient Xia and Shang Dynasties

The Epic of the Ancient Xia and Shang Dynasties is a sweeping historical novel based on ancient Chinese myths and legends and the history of the Xia and Shang dynasties. Spanning an immense stretch of time, it begins with the dawn of creation, when Pangu parted heaven and earth and Nuwa fashioned humanity. It passes through the legendary eras of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, then follows the founding, rise, and decline of the Xia dynasty, the overthrow of Xia by Tang of Shang, and the flourishing and eventual fall of the Shang. In panoramic fashion, it depicts the grand arc of Chinese civilization from its first stirrings to its early formation.

Grounded in the historical records of works such as Records of the Grand Historian and the Book of Documents, the novel deftly incorporates mythological elements from classics like the Classic of Mountains and Seas and the Huainanzi. Guided by the principle of keeping major events true while allowing freedom with minor details, it weaves scattered historical fragments and myths into a cohesive narrative. From the clash between the Yellow Emperor and Chiyou at Zhuolu to Yu the Great’s lasting achievements in controlling the floods; from Qi’s founding of the Xia dynasty and the start of hereditary rule to Jie’s tyranny and the kingdom’s fall; from Tang of Shang’s rise and the Battle of Mingtiao to the prosperous reign of Wu Ding, and finally to the wicked King Zhou and the revolt at Muye, the book brings to life a host of historical figures, including Fuxi, Shennong, Yao, Shun, Yu, Yi Yin, and Pan Geng. It recreates the major historical transitions from abdication to hereditary rule and from tribal alliances to early states.