The Legend of the White Snake: A Personal Amplification

摘要

As a cultural myth the Legend of the White Snake could be a commentary on the historical and social conditions of China during the time of the Song Dynasty (907-1276 A.D.). The battle between the snake goddess and the monk evokes empathy for the indomitable spirit of the feminine principle, which was subdued but not destroyed. Furthermore, the legend is connected to a revitalization of the very ancient creation myth of the goddess Nuwa, who was half woman and half snake. Parallel to the collective myth is the significance of the snake image in the writer's personal story. The snake, both in the writer's dreams and synchronistic experiences, was crucial in supporting her psychological development, especially in her struggles with the negative mother complex and her creative process. The new China of the 21st century has a renewed interest in the white snake legend, except now the story is being tailored by the ruling power to maximize its impact on collective thinking.