列仙傳

Name: 列仙傳
Author: Xiang Liu

By Xiang Liu

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Biographies Mythology, Legends & Folklore

About This Book

A sequence of brief biographies sketches legendary immortals and mystical practitioners from early tradition, each recounting extraordinary powers such as longevity practices, alchemical medicines, weather mastery, animal kinship, healing arts, miraculous transformations, and ascension. Episodes describe their methods of cultivation, encounters with authorities or local communities, acts that inspire reverence or fear, and endings that range from mysterious disappearance to apotheosis. The entries blend anecdote and poetic epitaph, offering varied portraits of spiritual technique and belief while mapping the porous boundary between ordinary life and the numinous across a succession of compact, emblematic narratives.

About the Author

Xiang Liu

Liu Xiang was a prominent Chinese scholar and writer during the Han dynasty, known for his contributions to classical literature and philosophy. He is best recognized for his works such as "列仙傳" (Biographies of Immortals) and "列女傳" (Biographies of Exemplary Women), which reflect his interest in moral teachings and historical narratives. Liu's compilation of texts, particularly in "說苑" (The Garden of Speech), showcases a rich collection of anecdotes and philosophical discussions that have influenced Chinese thought. His writings are significant in understanding the cultural and intellectual landscape of ancient China.