Mythology in Ancient East

China - "Magic Mirror"

"The Magic Mirror"

"Li King" in <The Monkey King>

"Magic mirror" ( 照妖镜 zhao yao jing ) is once known as a treasure to reflect the original apperance of goblin after goblin has changed its looks. In one of the 4 famous literatures in ancient China - <The Monkey King>, it is an artifact belonging to one of the gods, "Li King" ( 托塔李天王 tuo ta li tian wang ) - a character in Chinese ancient mythology. He wears armor and coronet. And he holds trident or sword in right hand and pagoda in left hand. When he shines the magic mirror's light to a certain goblin, the mirror will reflect its original appearance and the goblin will be stucked.

And now it can be used to describe seeing through someones' intrigues.




Japan - "Amaterasu"

Three Artifacts by God

"Amaterasu" - The God of Sun

 In ancient times, Japanese will thank the Amaterasu before haveing meals. Amaterasu (あまてらすおおみみ) (The God of Sun), the core goddess in Japanese mythology is regarded as the ancester of Japanese royalty and the main god in their religion. It's recorded that once イザナキ (the primogenitor of epoch) escaped from the hell. When she was washing filth in Apoqi Plain, a beautiful goddess borned from her left eye. Since the sunshine fulfilled the land, then イザナキ was so happy as to call her Amaterasu. Amaterasu is in charge of the place where all the gods live. She taught people how to farm, weave and feed silkworms. And she command his son to manage the land now knowned as Japan, so Amaterasu's descendants are always managing this country. According to this legend, the Mikado -- the emperor of Japan is the decendant of Amaterasu. And the original body of Amaterasu is "Eight-foot Mirror" (八咫の鏡). And the sword, mirror and jade is regarded as three artifacts owned by god.