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