Imagining a Deity: The Guan Yu Myth and Imagery in Early China
Galway Traynor & Christina WelterEckerd College
SEECR Nov 15, 2008
Introduction
• Sociopolitical/religious factors in the Song promoting Guan Yu
• Connection between popular culture and popular cults
• Examining imagery to determine changes to Guan Yu cult in the Song
Popular Culture and Guan Yu
• Storytelling– Tang transformation texts– Use of imagery– Popularity of Three Kingdoms story cycle
Buddhist and Daoist Narratives
• Buddhist– Center on Yuquan
Monastery– Focus on Guan Yu as
protector– Violence only when
necessary
• Daoist– Diffuse, with focal
point on Xie salt lake– Focus on Guan Yu as
exorcist general– Violence is nature,
though it can be channeled
Personal and Bureaucratic Models of Divinity
• Personal– One on one
relationship – Emphasis on loyalty– Popular amongst laity
• Bureaucratic– Heavily structured – Emphasis on scholar-
official deity– Popular with Imperial
Government
Imperially granted titles in the Song
• Huizong– 1102: Duke of Zhonghui– 1108: King Wu’an– 1123: King Wu’an of Righteousness and Bravery
• Gaozong– 1128: King Wu’an of Strength, Solemnity,
Righteousness, and Bravery• Xiaozong
– 1187: King Wu’an Yingji of Stength, Solemnity, Righteousness and Bravery
Late Imperial Imaginings: Shang Xi’s “Guan Yu Captures a General”
Four Main Symbols
• Long Beard• Red Face• Signature Weapon• Association with Chunqiu
Guan Yu’s Beard
• Found in Chen Shou’s Sanguozhi
• Linked with Guan Yu’s identity at early stage
• Constant symbol
Red Face
• Originated in the Song • Associated with
personal, violent, and Daoist story
• Also heavily utilized in storytelling and opera
Green Dragon Crescent Moon Blade
• Anachronistic• Uncommon before
Song• Evokes martial aspects
of Guan Yu• Primarily offensive
weapon
Guan Yu’s Association with the Chunqiu
• Found in the Sanguozhi
• Emphasizes the literary
• Fits with the bureaucratic model
• Possibly mostly promoted by the government
Conclusion
• Guan Yu cult gains popularity in Song– Twin narratives– Titles– Popular culture
• Imagery provides another measure to examine the rise of the Guan Yu cult in Song