The Construction Of Theory Of Dongfang Shuo Legend Plexus, Inheritance And Presentation

Dongfang Shuo was a star-crossed liegeman lived in the reign of Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty. He acted many roles such as ancestor, local god, and the god of longevity with lad in the folklores, so many people liked calling him "mastermind". A series of folk legends which are very complex were formed around Dongfang Shuo. It is difficult to analyze and classify these legends, to reveal their internal relations and evolution laws by the traditional typology studies which come from the narrative form and the induction methods based on the type of plot motif structure. Based on this, this article will be regards these legends as a composition of several types of legend cluster, which includes the Dongfang Shuo as the hero figure legend, as well as the scenery, customs, legend and social legend of Dongfang Shuo.The legend which Dongfang Shuo was the hero is the focus of this paper. According to the legend of Dongfang Shuo’s different identity, these legends can be divided into four categories:(1) Fairy-type. In the legend, Dongfang Shuo’s identity was Star god, local god, or the god of trade.(2) Divination type. In the legend, Dongfang Shuo’s identity was an alchemist.(3) Clown type. In the legend, Dongfang Shuo’s identity was a clown.(4) Knowledgeable person type. In the legend, Dongfang Shuo is equivalent to a walking dictionary. Through the analysis of these legends, summed up Dongfang Shuo legend’s cluster core, which is Dongfang Shuo’s multiple personality (bohemian, banter, loyalty) and his erudition. The core is not only the key to the construction of Dongfang Shuo’s legend cluster but also the source for its creation. At the same time, the society fashion at that time, such as interaction between heaven and mankind, the five elements, divination combined with mystical Confucianist belief, star religion, ideals of longevity have played a role in promoting this. Dongfang Shuo legend transmited mainly through oral, opera and image three models, however, oral tradition is the mainstream. The main legend transmission through opera and image is "Dongfang Shuo steals the peach". This article discuss Dongfang Shuo’s legend cluster through the field investigation in Lingxian, Shandong province, which arranged local legend of Dongfang Shuo in specific geographical spread, and the landscapes, customs, social legends in this form. My thesis has argued that:From the construction process, main forms and variation situation of Dongfang Shuo legend’s cluster, we can discuss that as a real historical figure, why Dongfang Shuo could enter folklore field, as well as how to enter the field of folk legends.