u/Galaxy-Fighter

Hey fellow Redditors! It’s Aaron McLarren here, translator of The Sorcerer’s Handbook, Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal’s Ascent, and Divine Medallion of Seven Lifetimes.

Today, I’m discussing whether Chinese idioms can be translated directly into English, or whether we lose something along the way.

I’ll be using 一见钟情 (yī jiàn zhōng qíng) and 倾国倾城 (qīng guó qīng chéng) as examples and exploring how their meanings and nuances can change when we bring them into English.

What do you think? Yay or nay? 👀

Here’s Episode 8 of the Chinese Mythology Archive series!

In this episode, we explore Xuanwu (玄武), the Black Tortoise and one of the Four Symbols of Chinese mythology. Associated with water and the season of winter, Xuanwu represents the cold, mysterious, and enduring nature of the northern heavens. It is also connected to the Seven Lunar Mansions, a group of ancient Chinese constellations used by the Chinese to map and divide the night sky.

Interestingly, Digimon’s Ebonwumon is directly inspired by Xuanwu. Its tortoise-and-snake design and name draw heavily from this ancient Chinese mythological figure, bringing one of the Four Symbols into the world of Digimon.

Hope you enjoy Episode 8!

Here's Episode 7 of the Chinese Mythology Archive series!

In this episode, we explore Zhuque (朱雀), the Vermilion Bird and one of the Four Symbols of Chinese mythology. Associated with Fire and the season of summer, Zhuque represents the fiery and vibrant nature of the southern heavens. It is also connected to the Seven Lunar Mansions, a group of ancient Chinese constellations used by the Chinese to map and divide the night sky.

Interestingly, Digimon's Zhuqiaomon is directly inspired by Zhuque. Its fiery, bird-like appearance and name draw heavily from this ancient Chinese mythological figure, bringing one of the Four Symbols into the world of Digimon.

Hope you enjoy Episode 7!

When Ashe takes “work hard and you’ll succeed” a little too literally 💀

Here's Episode 6 of the Chinese Mythology Archive series!

In this episode, we explore Taotie (饕餮), the legendary creature in Chinese mythology known for its insatiable appetite and fearsome appearance. Often depicted as a monstrous face adorned with horns and intricate patterns, Taotie has come to symbolize greed, gluttony, and an endless desire for consumption.

Interestingly, Pokémon Ting-Lu is directly inspired by Taotie. Its massive bronze-colored head resembles the Taotie motifs commonly found on ancient Chinese bronze vessels, making the connection between Ting-Lu and this ancient mythological creature especially striking.

Hope you enjoy Episode 6!

Here's Episode 5 of the Chinese Mythology Archive series!

In this episode, we explore Hundun (混沌), the primordial being who embodies chaos in Chinese mythology. Often portrayed as a faceless, formless creature, Hundun represents the undifferentiated state of the universe before the creation of order. Its story serves as a reflection on the delicate balance between chaos and harmony, and the consequences of imposing order upon what is naturally whole.

Hundun also appeared as Morris in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

Hope you enjoy Episode 5!

Here's Episode 4 of the Chinese Mythology Archive series!

In this episode, we explore Qiongqi (穷奇), one of the legendary Four Fiends in Chinese mythology. Often depicted as a fearsome, winged beast, Qiongqi is associated with deception and cruelty. It came to symbolize the dangers of abandoning morality, embracing rebellion, and siding with evil over justice.

Qiongqi is also believed to have inspired Chien-Pao from Pokémon.

Hope you enjoy Episode 4!

Here’s Episode 3 of the Chinese Mythology Archive series!

In this episode, we explore Taowu (檮杌), one of the legendary Four Fiends in Chinese mythology. Often portrayed as a fierce and unruly beast, Taowu is associated with violence and corruption. Its name later came to symbolize someone who is violent, obstinate, and unwilling to change.

Hope you enjoy Episode 3!

When our MC travels to a new world expecting a fresh start… but the Four Pillars Cult is already waiting.

Check out The Sorcerer's Handbook here!

https://www.wuxiaworld.com/novel/the-sorcerers-handbook

Here’s Episode 2 of the Chinese Mythology Archive series!

Starting this week, new episodes will be posted twice a week on Instagram and Reddit.

In this episode, we explore Kunpeng (鲲鹏), the Chinese Great Roc, one of the most legendary creatures in Chinese mythology. According to ancient texts, Kunpeng begins as the massive fish Kun (鲲) in the depths of the northern sea before transforming into the gigantic bird Peng (鹏), whose wings are said to cover the sky as it soars across the heavens.

Hope you enjoy Episode 2!

Two months ago, I conducted a survey asking which additional topics readers would be most interested in. Chinese mythology came in second place, right after the origins and meanings behind cultivation realms.

I said I would do it, and I delivered.

The topic of cultivation realms will take a little more time, as I want to conduct deeper research and provide clearer, more insightful explanations rather than rush through it. Therefore, I have decided to begin with Chinese mythology first.

So here you go: the first episode of Aaron’s Chinese Mythology Archive, exploring the meaning and symbolism behind Fenghuang (凤凰), the Chinese Phoenix!