The legend of the White Serpent is one of the most celebrated and moving stories in Chinese culture, which exists in different versions but always touches on themes of love, sacrifice, betrayal and spiritual transformation. This mythical story about a girl who is actually a snake has remained a symbol of passionate love and wisdom since ancient times. In different interpretations, the myth of the White Serpent can be found in Chinese literature, theater, opera, and even in modern films and books.
1. The plot of the legend of the White Serpent
1.1 Major Characters
In the heart of the White Serpent legend are two main characters:
- White Snake (Bai Xu) - in this story, a snake who took on a human form in order to experience love and become a person. She has great magical power and lives for hundreds of years, and in human appearance she appears as a beautiful woman.
- Hu Bei is an ordinary person who meets the White Snake and falls in love with her. At first, not knowing her secret, he discovers not only the magical essence of his beloved, but also her ability to miracles.
1.2 Main conflict
The story of the White Serpent tells how her love with Hu Bei faces rejection of society and tradition. In one of the most popular versions of this legend, White Snake takes on a human form and marries Hu Bei despite his essence. However, this love is opposed by the monk Fa Hai, who learns that the White Snake is actually a snake, and decides to separate the lovers. In the end, the monk, with the help of magic and the powers of heaven, separates them.
- In some versions of the legend, the White Snake at the end assumes the fate of the snake's spirit and finds its way to liberation or reunification with his beloved.
2. Symbolism of the White Snake
2.1 White Snake as a Symbol of Love
One of the main meanings of this legend is love, which is not afraid to overcome obstacles and severe restrictions. White Snake is ready to give up her magical power to become human and be with the person she loves. Her love for Hu Bei is an expression of pure and unconditional love, ready for victims.
- The White Snake symbolizes passion and devotion, which remain insurmountable even in the face of heavenly and social obstacles.
2.2 Topic of sacrifice
The white Snake in this legend represents sacrifice. She is ready to survive many trials, to give up her strength and magic for love. Her willingness to sacrifice everything for this feeling makes the reader think about the value of love, as well as the importance of self-sacrifice in relationships.
2.3 Transformation and Spiritual Evolution
The White Snake can also be a symbol of spiritual growth and transformation. The story of its transformation from a snake to a person can be interpreted as a metaphor for the human path to enlightenment and self-improvement. She is ready to become a person and experience all human feelings, faced with their difficulties and possible suffering.
- This process of transformation is also associated with the theme of spiritual purification and the transition from the animal world to a higher, human state.
3. The Role of Fa Hai and the Theme of Betrayal
3.1 Monk Fa Hai as Antagonist
Monk Fa Hai plays an important role as an antagonist who seeks to destroy the love between White Snake and Hu Bei. It symbolizes stubbornness and a lack of tolerance for what goes beyond tradition and norms. Its role can be interpreted as a symbol of the power of a religion that rejects something unusual and magical without understanding the potential of love in it.
- His interference in the life of the White Snake can be perceived as injustice and suppression of the natural order of things, which is an important philosophical aspect of this story.
4. The Legend of the White Serpent in Chinese Culture
4.1 Impact on Literature and the Arts
The legend of the White Serpent is an important part of the Chinese folklore and literary tradition. It was repeatedly used in poetry, operas and plays, as well as in painting. In Chinese opera, especially in the genre of Beijing opera, this legend has become widespread.
- The legend of White Serpent has inspired many artists and writers, creating images of beautiful and tragic love stories that have been interpreted in various cultural contexts.
4.2 Role in Modern Chinese Cinema and Theatre
In recent decades, the legend of the White Serpent has become the basis for many films, series and productions. In 2019, the popular film "White Snake" was shot, which attracted the attention of viewers not only for its visual style, but also for the deep meaning hidden in the ancient legend.
- Modern interpretations often emphasize the conflict between love and tradition, as well as the inevitability of sacrifice and fate, which gives the myth relevance in this day and age.
Conclusion
The legend of the White Serpent is not just a myth of love and tragedy, but a profound philosophical story that touches on such important topics as sacrifice, spiritual growth and the fight against prejudice. The White Snake and her love for Hu Bay remain symbols of real feelings, ready to overcome any obstacles. This legend continues to inspire generations and serves as an important cultural heritage of China, reflecting basic human values and eternal questions of love and devotion.
1. The plot of the legend of the White Serpent
1.1 Major Characters
In the heart of the White Serpent legend are two main characters:
- White Snake (Bai Xu) - in this story, a snake who took on a human form in order to experience love and become a person. She has great magical power and lives for hundreds of years, and in human appearance she appears as a beautiful woman.
- Hu Bei is an ordinary person who meets the White Snake and falls in love with her. At first, not knowing her secret, he discovers not only the magical essence of his beloved, but also her ability to miracles.
1.2 Main conflict
The story of the White Serpent tells how her love with Hu Bei faces rejection of society and tradition. In one of the most popular versions of this legend, White Snake takes on a human form and marries Hu Bei despite his essence. However, this love is opposed by the monk Fa Hai, who learns that the White Snake is actually a snake, and decides to separate the lovers. In the end, the monk, with the help of magic and the powers of heaven, separates them.
- In some versions of the legend, the White Snake at the end assumes the fate of the snake's spirit and finds its way to liberation or reunification with his beloved.
2. Symbolism of the White Snake
2.1 White Snake as a Symbol of Love
One of the main meanings of this legend is love, which is not afraid to overcome obstacles and severe restrictions. White Snake is ready to give up her magical power to become human and be with the person she loves. Her love for Hu Bei is an expression of pure and unconditional love, ready for victims.
- The White Snake symbolizes passion and devotion, which remain insurmountable even in the face of heavenly and social obstacles.
2.2 Topic of sacrifice
The white Snake in this legend represents sacrifice. She is ready to survive many trials, to give up her strength and magic for love. Her willingness to sacrifice everything for this feeling makes the reader think about the value of love, as well as the importance of self-sacrifice in relationships.
2.3 Transformation and Spiritual Evolution
The White Snake can also be a symbol of spiritual growth and transformation. The story of its transformation from a snake to a person can be interpreted as a metaphor for the human path to enlightenment and self-improvement. She is ready to become a person and experience all human feelings, faced with their difficulties and possible suffering.
- This process of transformation is also associated with the theme of spiritual purification and the transition from the animal world to a higher, human state.
3. The Role of Fa Hai and the Theme of Betrayal
3.1 Monk Fa Hai as Antagonist
Monk Fa Hai plays an important role as an antagonist who seeks to destroy the love between White Snake and Hu Bei. It symbolizes stubbornness and a lack of tolerance for what goes beyond tradition and norms. Its role can be interpreted as a symbol of the power of a religion that rejects something unusual and magical without understanding the potential of love in it.
- His interference in the life of the White Snake can be perceived as injustice and suppression of the natural order of things, which is an important philosophical aspect of this story.
4. The Legend of the White Serpent in Chinese Culture
4.1 Impact on Literature and the Arts
The legend of the White Serpent is an important part of the Chinese folklore and literary tradition. It was repeatedly used in poetry, operas and plays, as well as in painting. In Chinese opera, especially in the genre of Beijing opera, this legend has become widespread.
- The legend of White Serpent has inspired many artists and writers, creating images of beautiful and tragic love stories that have been interpreted in various cultural contexts.
4.2 Role in Modern Chinese Cinema and Theatre
In recent decades, the legend of the White Serpent has become the basis for many films, series and productions. In 2019, the popular film "White Snake" was shot, which attracted the attention of viewers not only for its visual style, but also for the deep meaning hidden in the ancient legend.
- Modern interpretations often emphasize the conflict between love and tradition, as well as the inevitability of sacrifice and fate, which gives the myth relevance in this day and age.
Conclusion
The legend of the White Serpent is not just a myth of love and tragedy, but a profound philosophical story that touches on such important topics as sacrifice, spiritual growth and the fight against prejudice. The White Snake and her love for Hu Bay remain symbols of real feelings, ready to overcome any obstacles. This legend continues to inspire generations and serves as an important cultural heritage of China, reflecting basic human values and eternal questions of love and devotion.