Ad Code

Ad code

Classic of Mountains and Seas — Classic of the Eastern Mountains, Scroll Four. Part 2


 Five hundred li south lies Mount Yin, which overlooks the Yin River to the south and the marshes to the east. A beast called Youyou lives here, resembling a horse with sheep's eyes, four horns, and a cow's tail. Its cry is like that of a growling dog. The appearance of this creature foretells the arrival of many cunning thieves in the land. A bird called Jiegou also resides here, resembling a duck with a mouse's tail and known for its ability to climb trees. When it appears, it signals a plague in the region.

In total, from Mount Kongsang to Mount Yin, there are seventeen mountains spanning six thousand six hundred forty li. The deities of these mountains all have animal bodies with human faces and horns. Their ritual offerings involve sacrificing a rooster, and jade is buried as part of the ritual.

The third section of the Eastern Classic begins with Mount Shihu. Looking northward, one can see Mount Yang, and the summit is abundant in gold and jade, while the base is rich in stones. A beast called Weihu lives here, resembling an elk with fish-like eyes. Its cry sounds like its name.

Traveling eight hundred li south by water leads to Mount Qi, which is filled with peach and plum trees and home to many tigers.

Another seven hundred li south by water brings you to Mount Zhugou, which is barren of vegetation but filled with sand and stones. The mountain spans one hundred li in width and is home to many sleeping fish.

Traveling another seven hundred li south by water brings you to Mount Zhongfu, which is also barren of vegetation and full of sand.

Continuing eastward for one thousand li by water brings you to Mount Hushou, which is devoid of vegetation and filled with sand and stones.

Seven hundred li south by water lies Mount Mengzi, rich in catalpa and tung trees, peach and plum trees, and covered in fungal grass. The mountain spans one hundred li in width and is home to many deer and elk. A river named Biyang originates here, and it is rich in fish called Kui, resembling giant carp.

Five hundred li south by water leads to the flowing sands, and after traveling another five hundred li, one reaches Mount Qizhong. The mountain spans two hundred li in width and is barren of vegetation but rich in large snakes and jade. A body of water, spanning forty li, also originates here, called Shen Marsh. The marsh is home to many large turtles. A fish called Gega also resides here, resembling a carp with six legs and a bird’s tail. Its cry sounds like its name.

Nine hundred li south by water is Mount Muyu, where the summit is rich in vegetation, gold, jade, and red stones. A beast called Jingjing lives here, resembling a cow with a horse’s tail. Its cry sounds like its name.

Five hundred li south by water and three hundred li across the flowing sands brings you to Mount Wugao, which overlooks the Young Sea to the south and the woodlands to the east. The mountain spans one hundred li and is devoid of vegetation, with frequent strong winds.

In total, from Mount Shihu to Mount Wugao, there are nine mountains spanning six thousand nine hundred li. The deities of these mountains have human bodies and ram’s horns. Ritual offerings involve sacrificing a ram and offering millet. These deities bring destructive wind, rain, and floods when they appear.

The fourth section of the Eastern Classic begins with Mount Beihao, which overlooks the Northern Sea. The mountain is home to trees resembling willows with red flowers and fruit like seedless dates, which have a sweet and sour taste and prevent malaria when eaten. The Shi River originates here, flowing northeast into the sea. A beast called Xiejv lives here, resembling a wolf with a red head and mouse-like eyes, and it preys on humans. A bird called Qiyu, resembling a chicken with a white head, mouse feet, and tiger claws, also resides here and is known to prey on humans.

Three hundred li south is Mount Mao, barren of vegetation. The water of Cangti River originates here, flowing westward into the Zhan River. The river is home to fish called Jiu, resembling large carp with big heads. Eating them prevents warts.

Three hundred twenty li south is Mount Dongshi, where the summit is rich in blue jade. The trees resemble willows with red-veined bark, and the sap flows like blood. These trees do not bear fruit and are called Qi. The sap can be used to train horses. The Ci River originates here, flowing northeast into the sea, and is rich in beautiful shells. The river is also home to Ziyu fish, resembling crucian carp with ten bodies. Their smell is like that of mugwort, and eating them prevents hunger.

Three hundred li southeast is Mount Nvzeng, barren of vegetation. The water from the gypsum springs originates here, flowing westward into the Ge River. The river is home to fish called Bo, resembling sturgeons with one eye. Their cry sounds like an owl, and their appearance signals a great drought.

Two hundred li southeast is Mount Qin, where the summit is rich in gold and jade. The Shi River originates here, flowing north into Gao Marsh, and is home to Jiu fish and patterned shells. A beast called Dangkang lives here, resembling a pig with tusks. Its cry sounds like its name, and its appearance foretells great harvests.

Two hundred li southeast is Mount Zitong. The Zitong River originates here, flowing westward into the Yuru Marsh. The river is home to Gu fish, which resemble fish with bird wings. They glow when they appear, and their cry sounds like that of a mandarin duck. Their appearance foretells a great drought.

Two hundred li northeast is Mount Yan, rich in gold and jade. A beast called Hehu lives here, resembling a pig with a human face, yellow body, and red tail. Its cry sounds like a baby. It preys on humans and also eats insects and snakes. Its appearance foretells great floods.

Two hundred li northeast is Mount Tai, where the summit is abundant in gold and precious hardwood. A beast called Fei lives here, resembling a cow with a white head, one eye, and a snake’s tail. Wherever it travels, water dries up and plants wither. Its appearance signals a great plague. The Gou River originates here, flowing north into the Lao River, where it is home to Jiu fish.

In total, from Mount Beihao to Mount Tai, there are eight mountains spanning one thousand seven hundred twenty li.

Post a Comment

0 Comments

Ad code

Ad Code

Responsive Advertisement