Story Summary
Explore the legend of Fuxi and the Eight Trigrams, a pivotal Chinese myth where a divine dragon horse reveals the secrets of the cosmos to the first sovereign.
In the primordial era of the world, the wise sovereign Fuxi sought to understand the hidden order of the universe. He observed the celestial bodies above and the patterns of the earth below, noting how the seasons shifted and how life thrived in cycles. One day, while meditating by the Yellow River, a divine creature called the Longma—a magnificent horse with the head and scales of a dragon—rose from the depths. Upon its back were mystical markings of dots and lines. Fuxi realized these were not mere patterns but the language of the cosmos. He transcribed these markings into eight symbols made of solid and broken lines, representing the fundamental elements: Heaven, Earth, Water, Fire, Mountain, Lake, Wind, and Thunder. These Eight Trigrams, known as the Bagua, gave humanity the tools to decode the mysteries of existence, establishing a bridge between the divine and the mortal world through the observation of nature.
The Moral
True wisdom comes from observing the natural world and understanding that everything in the universe is interconnected through balance and change.
“By observing the images in the heavens and the patterns on the earth, the secrets of the universe are revealed.”
Fun Fact
The Bagua symbols created by Fuxi are so culturally significant that four of them are featured on the national flag of South Korea today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Fuxi and the Eight Trigrams?
The story teaches that the universe operates according to a rhythmic, observable order. By paying close attention to nature, humans can find harmony and navigate the complexities of life.
What do the Eight Trigrams represent?
The Eight Trigrams, or Bagua, represent the fundamental principles of reality, including Heaven, Earth, Fire, Water, Wind, Thunder, Lake, and Mountain.
Who was Fuxi in Chinese mythology?
Fuxi is one of the Three Sovereigns of ancient China, credited with creating writing, fishing, trapping, and the foundation of Chinese philosophy.
What is the significance of the Longma?
The Longma, or Dragon Horse, is a fabled creature that carries divine knowledge. Its appearance signifies a time of great wisdom and a virtuous ruler.
How did the Eight Trigrams influence Chinese culture?
They are the foundation of the I Ching (Book of Changes) and deeply influence Feng Shui, martial arts, medicine, and traditional Chinese astronomy.
Are Fuxi and Nuwa related?
Yes, in many myths, Fuxi and Nuwa are brother and sister or husband and wife who are credited with creating and teaching humanity after a great flood.