Zone1 Giants and the Great Deluge

[Votto]

I did not know if I should post this in the history section or the religious section. But since most equate stories about giants and the Great Deluge with the Biblical text, I decided to post it in the religious section.

From what I can ascertain, those who believe in the story of the Great Flood spoken of in the Bible, place the time at around 2350 BC. The story revolves around the notion that God used a great flood to cleanse the earth of wickedness. In the Book of Enoch, however, we are treated to the notion that there were beings called Nephilim, beings created from angelic beings mating with humans that were larger and stronger and often referred to as "giants". Unfortunately, they were also referred to as fallen creatures, along with the demonic cast of angelic beings that fell from heaven after their rebellion.

Most who read this discard it as pure myth, however, this is not the only story of such happenings. In fact, every ancient culture on the face of the planet has similar musings about a great deluge and giants. So, either all ancient prehistoric cultures around the globe were all somehow in communication as they shared these stories, or it is evidence that these events actually occurred. This would predate the Biblical text.

For example, in China there is a story of a Great Deluge that is estimated to have occurred 2300 to 2200 BC according to ancient accounts. The myth revolves around the goddess Nuwa, not to be confused with Noah, who saved her people by building a large raft like Leaf as an ark to save them from the flood. Those saved by this act later repopulated the earth.

But there are also writing such as the Shanttai Jing that also discusses the Great Deluge and giants that existed before the flood.

The Classic of Mountains and Seas(Shanhaijing): Exploring Amazing Ancient Chinese Mythology and Geography - Chinese Weird Tales

Intrigued by legends of mountains and seas, mythical creatures, and the allure of ancient Chinese mythology? Delve into the captivating realm of "The Classic

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Intrigued by legends of mountains and seas, mythical creatures, and the allure of ancient Chinese mythology? Delve into the captivating realm of “The Classic of Mountains and Seas” (also known as Shanhai jing), a treasure trove of mythic geography and legendary beings.

Unraveling the Origins of Shanhaijing​

This revered Chinese classic, steeped in history, is a compilation believed to date back to the early Han dynasty, potentially originating as early as the 4th century BCE. However, its true origins remain shrouded in mystery, sparking a two-millennium-long debate about its authorship.

Authorship Enigma​

From attributions to Yu the Great and Boyi during the classical era to assertions by scholars like Zhu Xi and Hu Yinglin that it might have been penned by a curious mind during the Warring States period, the authorship puzzle persists. Some theories even suggest a collaboration of diverse authors contributing to different sections of the book.

The Classic of Mountains and Seas: Exploring the Book’s Essence​

This esteemed work, divided into eighteen sections, unveils over 550 mountains, 300 channels, and a myriad of fascinating narratives. Its contents range from mundane descriptions of locations to the portrayal of exotic creatures and enchanting myths. Notably, it includes the enthralling tale of Yu the Great battling the deluge, depicted in a whimsical manner distinct from other historical accounts.

Nature’s Wonders​

Initially perceived as a geographical compendium, this book’s essence transcends conventional boundaries. While some perceive it as a bestiary or an encyclopedia of geographical knowledge, others argue it embodies ancient Chinese mythological materials or even class it as a novel. Its multifaceted nature sparks diverse interpretations, fueling ongoing scholarly discourse.

Legacy and Field Contributions​

Beyond its enigmatic nature, “The Classic of Mountains and Seas” enriches fields like geography, mythology, zoology, medicine, and religion. It serves as a historical repository, documenting ancient Chinese mythologies, migration patterns, ecological landscapes, medicinal knowledge, and even the spiritual beliefs of yore.

A Collection of Ancient Wisdom​

From chronicling the migration and evolution of over 400 ancient Chinese animals to detailing medicinal values of approximately 110–140 drugs, this text unveils a tapestry of ancient wisdom. It not only sheds light on ancient diseases but also offers insights into ancient religious beliefs, immortals, and supernatural beings that shaped Chinese shamanism.

Evolution of Perception​

The book’s credibility shifted across history, revered as an authentic source during certain periods while later epochs regarded it as a fictional work. This evolving perception from authentic geography to a work of fiction reflects changing societal cognitions and the evolving landscape of knowledge.

Legacy in Modern Academia​

In contemporary academia, it remains a cornerstone for understanding ancient Chinese culture, offering a glimpse into a world rich in folklore, philosophy, religion, and historical contexts. Its legacy extends far beyond mere geographic documentation, leaving an indelible mark on various academic disciplines.

Read Shanhaijing/The Classic of Mountains and Seas in English​

I translated some of the articles from Shanhaijing. You can read them along with illustrations here.

Yu/顒​

In the mountains, there is a bird that looks like an owl. It has a human face, four eyes, and…
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Zhu/鴸​

There is a bird that looks like a hawk, but it has human hands. Its voice sounds like the buzzing…
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QuRu/瞿如​

In the mountains, there is a mythical creature that looks like a water bird. It has a white head, three…
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LongZhi/蠪蛭​

蠪蛭(Longzhi) lives in the mountains. It has a body similar to a fox, with nine tails, nine heads, and tiger…
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XieXie/[犭颉][犭颉]​

𝕏𝕚𝕖 [犭颉]Xie: Its appearance is like that of a hunting dog with scales, and its fur is like a pig’s…
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ZouWu/騶虞​

In the country of Lin(林氏國), there lived a rare beast. It was as big as a tiger, with a colorful…
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FAQ​

Who wrote The Classic of Mountains and Seas, and when was it written?​

The authorship of this ancient Chinese text remains a subject of debate, with attributions ranging from Yu the Great and Boyi to a curious mind during the Warring States period. Its origins date back potentially to the 4th century BCE, but the present form emerged in the early Han dynasty.

What is the book about?​

This classic text is a compilation of mythic geography, encompassing descriptions of over 550 mountains, 300 channels, and a myriad of mythical creatures. It’s a blend of fabulous geographical accounts, cultural depictions of pre-Qin China, and an anthology of Chinese mythology.

What genre does The Classic of Mountains and Seas belong to?​

While initially perceived as a geographical compendium, this text transcends conventional categorization. Scholars have classified it as a bestiary, an encyclopedia of geographical knowledge, and even as a novel, showcasing its multifaceted nature.

How does the book contribute to various fields of study?​

The book enriches diverse fields such as geography, mythology, zoology, medicine, and religion. It documents ancient Chinese mythologies, migration patterns, ecological landscapes, medicinal knowledge, and spiritual beliefs.

How has the perception of the book evolved over time?​

Across different historical periods, the credibility of the text fluctuated. Initially considered authentic and reliable during the Han dynasty, its perception shifted during the Ming and Qing dynasties when it was regarded more as a fictional work. Its reception continues to evolve in contemporary academia, fostering ongoing discussions and interpretations.


“The Classic of Mountains and Seas” continues to stand as a testament to the rich tapestry of ancient Chinese heritage, fostering ongoing discussions and deepening our understanding of a bygone era. Its legacy endures, inviting modern-day explorers to unravel the mysteries of an ancient world teeming with mythical creatures and cultural treasures.

 

[Votto]

We can move to another continent of South America and discover the same types of stories. You have evil giants wiped out by "the gods" via a flood.

Quinametzin: The Pre-Hispanic giants that inhabited Mexico

According to Aztec legends the Quinametzin are giants that inhabited Mesoamerica and Mexico in archaic time.

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The flood myth revolves around a man called Tata and his wife Nena who were commanded by the god Tlaloc to build an ark to survive the coming flood with animals and vegetation to be put on the ark with them in order to survive after the flood. But the reason the flood was coming was to wipe out the giants they called Quinametzin.

The Quinametzin and other humanoid giants are mentioned in Aztec and Mesoamerican mythology and in Spanish chronicles.
These mysterious beings stood over 10 feet tall and weighed around 600 pounds.


They lived in a time known as the Era of the Fourth Sun and it is said that they built the pyramids of Teotihuacán and the Great Pyramid of Cholula.


These mythological beings are as‌sociated with the narrative of the Five Suns of the Aztecs, which is about the existence of five eras with five different races in the remote past of America.


They were created by the Gods in the Age of the Fourth Sun: that of Atltonatiuh (Sun of Water).

The Quinametzin in Aztec tales

A group of natives in the central highlands of Mexico, capturing and putting to death a giant.
A Quinametzin captured by the Aztecs.

The Ríos Codex or Vatican Codex A, which focuses on the Toltec-Chichimeca people, shows the Aztecs battling and capturing one of these giants.


The name of the giant that appears in the codex is Quinametzin.


The word comes from ” quinametli “, which means giant.


Aztec mythology says that these beings inhabited Mexico and Central America and that the native peoples fought against them.
They were annihilated by the Aztec Go‌ds through a Universal Flood or flood, due to their sins or evils (similar to the Nephilim).
Four of these Quinametzin were Cuauhtémoc, Izcoalt, Izcaqlli, and Tenexuche, who mysteriously supported or carried the sky or the firmament at the beginning of the Era of the Fifth Sun.


In Aztec accounts, there is Tzilacatzin, a giant Otomi warrior from Mexico-Tlatelolco, who arrived to be a hero during the taking of Tenochtitlán (Spanish invasion).

Quinametzin Described by Spanish chroniclers in the 16th century

Tzilacatzin against the Spanish in the taking of Tenochtitlán.

Many chroniclers and scribe priests knew of the giant legends told by the aborigines of ancient Mexico.

The Bernardino de Sahagu‌n fray even stated that the builders of the pyramids of Teotihuacan and Cholula were these colossal humanoids:

And the burial mounds that they made to the sun and the moon are like great mountains built by hand, which seems to be natural mountains and they are not, and it can still be an incredible thing to say that they are built by hand, and it is true, because those who They were made then, they were gigantic and even this is clear on the hill or mount of Chollullan, which is clear to be made by hand, because it has adobe and whitewashed (Sahagún, 1956, vol. III, p. 209).

The Friar di‌ego Duran also mentioned the presence of giants in the region of Puebla-Tlaxcala: “The other people who say they found those of Tlaxcala and Cholula and Huejotzingo, say they were giants. – extracted from Durán, 1951, P. 14.

Durán stipulated that long and large bones were found in that region of Puebla that he himself saw when they were being extracted.
He also spoke of battles between the giants and the Cholultecs.


In addition, Fray Andrés Olmos reported the collection of gigantic standing bones in the palace of Antonio de Mendoza, viceroy of New Spain.

Quinametzin:

The builders of the Great Pyramid of Cholula

The Aztec constructions of the pyramids of Teotihuacán and the Great Pyramid of Cholula are among the most amazing and megalithic in America.

The Great Pyramid of Cholula has been called the largest in the world, with 65 meters high and 450 meters x 450 meters base.

According to Aztec myths, Teotihuacán and Cholula were built by the Quinametzin.

The Great Pyramid of Cholula was built by Xelhua, who also founded pre-Columbian cities such as Quauhquechollan, Itzocan, Epatlán, Teopantlán, Tehuacán, Cuzcatlán, and Teotitlán.


Other Quinametzin founders of pre-Hispanic cities were: Tenoch, founder of Tenochtitlán and Otomitl, founder of Xilotepec and Tollan .


This information from the Quinametzin is impressive because it presents much evidence for the existence of giants in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.
However, academic historians believe that the giant bones found by the Spanish may have been dinosaur fossils.

 

[The Irish Ram]

According to William Cody, the native Indians would put their hand out to show strangers that they had the right amount of digits and weren't like the Indians in the south that were known to be particularly nasty. One of the traits of Nephilim was extra fingers.