The Formosan 'Shooting the Sun' Myths

This book offers a comprehensive corpus and analysis of all the Formosan 'Shooting the Sun' myths. The 'Shooting the Sun' myths describe a series of historical events in mythology that is preceded by the origins of man myths and followed by the deluge myths. These diverse mythologemes are an integral part of the national culture in Taiwan, particularly among the Austronesian tribes. The myths continue to be the subjects of contemporary art exhibits, literary works, public works, performances, and political protests, and remain essential tribal icons upon which various ritualistic practices are founded. Ninety 'Shooting the Sun' myths from over forty different sources published between 1903 and 2024 covering all of Taiwan's tribes are anthologized and explored in this book.

Provides a comprehensive account of the Formosan 'Shooting the Sun' myths Analyses and situates the myths within their historical contexts Offers explanations regarding the origins of the mythologem

Autorentext

Valdis Gauss is a mythologist and an Assistant Professor at National Taitung University, Taiwan.

Klappentext

“A landmark achievement, this book offers a comprehensive overview of Taiwan’s Austronesian 'Shooting the Sun' myths. Meticulously researched, the data and findings are presented in a highly accessible manner. The depth, breadth, and diversity of one of Taiwan’s most enduring cross-cultural legends are suddenly within reach. A must read for anyone interested in Taiwan’s indigenous history and culture.”

—Howard Chiang, University of California, USA

"This is a marvelous collection of all the different versions of the 'Shooting the Sun' myth available among sixteen indigenous ethnic groups in the Island of Formosa. The author’s extensive analysis and interpretation in relation with other cultural items provides us with sources for further seminal works in the study of myth and ethnicity in this particular region."

—Kwang Ok Kim, Seoul National University, South Korea

This book offers a comprehensive corpus and analysis of all the Formosan ‘Shooting the Sun’ myths. The 'Shooting the Sun' myths describe a series of historical events in mythology that is preceded by the origins of man myths and followed by the deluge myths. These diverse mythologemes are an integral part of the national culture in Taiwan, particularly among the Austronesian tribes. The myths continue to be the subjects of contemporary art exhibits, literary works, public works, performances, and political protests, and remain essential tribal icons upon which various ritualistic practices are founded. Ninety 'Shooting the Sun' myths from over forty different sources published between 1903 and 2024 covering all of Taiwan's tribes are anthologized and explored in this book.

Valdis Gauss is a mythologist and an Assistant Professor at National Taitung University, Taiwan.

Inhalt

Chapter 1 Suns.- Chapter 2 Quest for Context.- Chapter 3 Anthology of Shooting the Suns.- Chapter 4 Salient Sun-Shooting Motifs.- Chapter 5 Interpretations.- Chapter 6 Conclusions.