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Yu the great
January 22, 2007 at 5:58 pm by mahud
According to Chinese belief, Yu the great was the founder of the Xia Dynasty (ca 2000 - 1500 BC), who tirelessly worked to save the land of nine regions from catastrophic floods. Originally it was his father Gun, who was appointed for the task by Yao, during whose reign the floodwaters had forced the people to seek refuge in the hills. Gun built dams to restrain the flood waters, but these failed, and Shun, Yao’s successor, finally executed Gun, appointing Yu to replace him.
Yu’s Labour
For thirteen years, Yu toiled, careful not to repeat the mistakes his father made. Rather than erecting damns to stop the flow of waters, Yu channeled through mountains, cleared debris from the river beds and created new watercourses, diverting the floodwaters into the sea. Shun also appointed Yu co-ruler, and after his death, Yu became emperor.
“Through Yu’s continual labour and self sacrifice, the waters no longer flooded the land, and the people became prosperous, and lived peaceful and healthy lives.”
Yu worked through all kinds of extreme weather. His appearance was disheveled, and his skin was blackened from the sun. He also developed a limp. It is said that Yu’s devotion to his task outweighed the importance of his family life, and on three occasions, he avoided passing by his house, taking another route.
The Mythical Yu
Yu was either born Parthenogenically of his mother, or from the dead body of his father. He had the ability to transform into a bear, a form he would assume to channel his way through the mountains. His wife would bring Yu his meals whenever he beat his drum, but one day he accidentally struck the drum with a rock, and his wife, who was pregnant with Yu’s son, discovered Yu in bear form, and fled in terror. Yu chased after her, but his wife stumbled and was transformed into a rock. Yu cried out for his unborn child, and the rock burst open, producing his son, Qi.
Demonic Forces behind the Flood
The floods were said to be caused by the demon Gong Gong, who sent the nine headed serpentine Xiang Liu, to frustrate the peoples efforts to bring the waters under control. Yu succeeded in slaying Xiang Liu, but was unable to prevent the creature’s blood from polluting the soil.
The Saviour of His People
Through Yu’s continual labour and self sacrifice, the waters no longer flooded the land, and the people became prosperous, and lived peaceful and healthy lives.
Yu remained active in the affairs of his people, who could summon an audience with Yu through the use of five musical instruments, hung upon the palace gate. Yu remained emperor until his death, during a hunting expedition.
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