During the reign of Emperor Yao, a catastrophic flood engulfed the world, drowning crops and washing away homes. Gun, a heroic figure of the realm, was tasked with taming the chaotic waters. Desperate to save humanity, Gun ascended to the heavens and stole Xirang, the 'Breathing Earth' that could expand infinitely. He used this magical soil to build massive dikes and dams, hoping to block the deluge. However, the water continued to rise, eventually overtopping his barriers because they lacked a path to the sea. The Supreme Deity, angered by the theft of the sacred soil, ordered Gun's execution on Mount Yu. Though he failed, Gun's body remained incorruptible for years until his son, Yu the Great, emerged from his father's side to finish the work through drainage and irrigation, eventually succeeding where his father had struggled.
True success requires working in harmony with nature rather than merely trying to suppress it through force.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of Gun and the Flood?
It teaches that blocking a problem is often less effective than finding a way to redirect its energy. While Gun used force and barriers, his son Yu succeeded by using channels to guide the water.
What was the magical soil Gun stole?
Gun stole Xirang, often translated as 'Breathing Earth' or 'Self-Expanding Soil.' It was a divine substance that could grow on its own to form mountains and dams instantly.
Who was Yu the Great in relation to Gun?
Yu was Gun's son who was born miraculously after Gun's death. He inherited his father's mission and became one of China's most revered rulers for successfully taming the flood.
Why did Gun fail to stop the flood?
Gun failed because he relied solely on dams and dikes to block the water. Without a system for drainage, the water levels eventually rose higher than his magical barriers.
Advertisement
Good night.
