Re-telling the world's greatest stories
Chinese writer Su Tong published Binu: The Myth of Meng Jiangnu last August.
The legend of Meng Jiangnu is about a commoner named Wan Qiliang who is called by the king to build the Great Wall. In winter, his wife Meng Jiangnu (renamed Binu by Su) journeys to send him a warm coat. When she arrives at the construction site, she hears Wan has died. She cries so hard, her tears topple the Wall.
"I chose this story because its rich and powerful content conquered me," said Su. "Meng Jiangnu is an ordinary, grassroots woman, but she is given the power of deity in folk legends.
"She is a savior chosen by the people trapped in daily conflicts."
Canongate Books and 24 international publishing houses launched the new series The Myths in October 2005. Initially conceived in 1999, the series is the brainchild of Jamie Byng, the publisher at Canongate Books.
"From the outset the idea was to approach topclass writers from all over the world and invite them to retell any myth in any way they chose. And in turn their myths would be published all over the world," said Byng, who envisions 100 myths by 2038.
Myths published:
A Short History of Myth by Karen Armstrong on how myth has evolved and why it is so essential to our ability to live well.
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood. Penelope daughter of King Icarius of Sparta, and the cousin of the beautiful Helen of Troy is portrayed as the quintessential faithful wife.
Weight by Jeanette Winterson. Atlas knows how it feels to carry the weight of the world; but why, he asks himself, does it have to be carried at all?
The Helmet of Horror by Victor Pelevin. A cyber-age retelling of the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur from one of Russia's most exciting young writers.
Lion's Honey by David Grossman. A consideration of one of the Bible's most powerful stories from a leading Israeli writer in this fascinating re-examination of the story of Samson
Dream Angus by Alexander McCall Smith. Dream Angus is one of the earliest of the Celtic deities, and one of the most beloved.
Chinese myths to be published:
Human World (Renjian) by Li Rui and Jiang Yun, love story between Lady White Snake and Xu Xian who have to separate because of a nosy monk Fahai. To be published in April.
King Gesar by A Lai, based on the world's longest epic, a Tibetan folk story about a mystic king who fought numerous demons and enemies to found a powerful kingdom.
Chinese authors Mo Yan, Yu Hua and Ge Fei have also agreed to rewrite myths.
China Daily
(China Daily 01/09/2007 page19)
