What gives a leader their power? The answer to that question is, ultimately, “the people following them” — a sentiment that's been expressed as “the consent of the governed,” however that consent might be gained. So, if you’re a monarch, what’s one of the most important things you can do to stay king? You have to convince the people that you’re the best person for the job. And, as with so many other situations, one of the most effective ways of doing that is with stories.

In European cultures, it’s often called the “divine right of kings,” and in dynastic China, a very similar concept was called “tianming,” literally, “the heavenly mandate.” This episode's story, which was probably used to show just that, tells of Huang Di, the ruler who began to unify ancient China, and his life-changing encounter with the supernatural Baize.

Join me, Jaer Christie, as I explore the hidden legends that shape the world on The Mythographist: Myths of Mainland China.

 

Written, narrated, and produced by Jaer Christie

Research by Jaer Christie & Elena Tung

 

Music:

"Dancing Abroad" & "The Night" by Shaoqing Luna Li - https://filmmusic.io/u/sqluna/music 

License CC BY 4.0 - https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

 

"Night Rain on the Banana Leaves," "Guangling Song," and "Lament at Chang Gate" from the collection The Essence of Famous Chinese Folk Music, used under CC fair use.