We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is “Fantastic Females in Folk & Fairy Tales.”
About Girls in China:
For a long time, having a daughter born was a disgrace. Sons were honored. In this story, Li Chi is the youngest of six girls. She felt almost a duty to do something to lessen the disgrace of her family. In the past, roughly one boy was born for every 100 girls. Some baby girls were killed. Now the balance of genders is so male-heavy that it’s considered a modern crisis for China.
50-word-or-less summary
Serpent devoured sacrificed girls once a year for nine years. During 10th year, Li Chi volunteered as long as she got a sword and serpent-hunting dog. She placed rice balls at edge of cave. Pretended to be afraid. Serpent went after rice balls first. Dog attacked neck. Girl slayed Serpent.
Finding the Story:
Book – “Li Chi Slays the Serpent” in Not One Damsel in Distress: Heroic Girls from World Folklore – here
Wikipedia – “Li Ji Slays the Giant Serpent” – here
Reflections by Donna Washington on the story “Li Chi Slays the Serpent” – here
Finding the “Fantastic”:
Here there were girls taken by force for nine years. Not fantastic at all. But by the 10th year, a girl chooses to come forward by the name of Li Chi. She came from a family with six girls. As the value of women and girls was seen as less than of men, Li Chi felt a mix of duty as well as a way to possibly protect her other sisters as being future sacrifices to this Giant Serpent.
While the view of herself could have been higher, it appeared to strengthen and grow by the end of the story. Her great feat was enough to attract the King of Yueh. Some men could be intimated by a woman who–when younger–slayed a Giant Serpent. Yet, this King of Yueh was impressed and asked to marry her. She became Queen. Great honors were bestowed on her family.
Though, whether or not becoming a Queen, all women need to feel the strength of being a Queen no matter what they do in life.
Recommended Article:
Ever considered sword play of any kind? Read this article entitled “True Edge teaches women that sword fighting isn’t just for men” written by Kayla Baggerly.
Thoughts?
Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See our popular links and upcoming events at our One-Stop.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
Story Crossroads celebrates the hybrid Summit & Festival on May 13-16, 2024 – yes, in-person and virtual – and would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; and people like you.