Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils by was first serialised in newspapers from 3 September 1963 to 27 May 1966.
The story has been revised twice with the second edition published in October 1978 and the third edition released in November 2002.
The Eight Races of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils would be a more accurate translation of the story's title. The Eight Races refer to the deities in Buddhist cosmology. They are: Deva, Nāga, Yaksha, Asura, Garuda, Kinnara, Gandharva and Mahoraga. These demi-gods and semi-devils are above mortals but are still bound to the by their own desires.
The widely accepted translation of the title collectively refers to the eight races as demi-gods and semi-devils.
The story follows the journeys of three protagonists. The main thematic element of the novel concerns the complex, troubled relationships between characters from various kingdoms and sects, and the inherent bond that underlies the struggles of each. The novel examines the cause and effect that forms and breaks these bonds on five uniquely corresponding levels: self, family, society, ethnic group, and country.
The title of each chapter is a verse and the ten chapters in each book actually forms a poem. The title of each book actually tells you what type of poem it is.
《少年游》Adventures of the Youth – featuring Duan Yu
青衫磊落险峰行，
The righteous scholar travelled the perilous peak,
玉壁月华明。
Moonlight shone brightly on the beautiful cliff.
马疾香幽，
A swift horse with a masked lady,
崖高人远，
High on the cliff away from others,
微步縠纹生。
Tiny steps borne from ripples.
谁家子弟谁家院，
Whose disciple and whose estate,
无计悔多情。
Helplessly regret being unfaithful,
虎啸龙吟，
Majestic and resounding music,
换巢鸾凤，
A lady married to a fitting place,
剑气碧烟横。
Gleaming sword across dark smoke.
Source : wuxiasociety
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DEMI GODS AND SEMI DEVILS Book 1 of 5 (Adventures of The Youth) by Jin Yong
Historical FictionBetween the period of 960-1127, Northern Song Dynasty is at war with the Liao dynasty. Three sworn brothers; Xiao Feng, Duan Yu, and Xuzhu join forces to bring what's right and just in the martial world. The three of them each have their own char...
