The Chinese Elements in the Japanese Myth of Yomi-no-kuni
The Japanese myth of Yomi-no-kuni is generally believed to have a relation to the Greek myth of Orpheus.However,by analyzing the literary image and plot structure of the Japanese myth,we find that there are differences not only in plot,but also in the spatial struc-ture and cognitive thinking of the underworld between the Japanese myth of Yomi-no-kuni and the Greek myth of Orpheus.A further comparative analysis can deliver several revela-tions:the mythological structure of the Japanese myth of Yomi-no-kuni is deeply influenced by the"Han Tan Sheng"story in Sou Shen Ji;the thought of"peach to ward off ghosts and evil"in the myth of Yomi-no-kuni originates from ancient China;the word"Yomi"comes from ancient Chinese classics;the spatial structure of the myth of Yomi-no-kuni is related to the structure of ancient Chinese tombs.To trace the origin of the Japanese myth of Yomi-no-kuni,we should not simply dwell on the Indo-European myth;instead,we should attach more attention to the center of East Asian culture-China.
Japanese Kiki-ShinwaJapanese myth of Yomi-no-kuniChinese cultureSou Shen JiGreek mythology
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