A Dream of a Long Winter

Author's Note and Mythology Guide

I have always loved all types of mythology, from ancient Greek to Japanese, but the one that has always intrigued me most was Chinese mythology. Here, I am trying my hand at writing a story based on that and the fantastic creatures that were written about then. 

Not all myths or creatures will be correct or mentioned, despite the research I've done, simply because there's just not enough on some of the topics. Also there's just too much to incorporate as well. I'm writing this story mostly to learn more about its history (and just for fun), so I apologize in advance if it's not always true to to its influences. I will also not be incorporating any Chinese words other than names just for flexibility of reading.

Please correct any mistakes you see, and leave plenty of feedback! I hope you enjoy this tale!

Also, I have linked some beautiful traditional Chinese music in each part. Give them a listen if you have some time!

Creatures and places mentioned so far (and to come):

Jiuwei Hu 九尾狐: nine tailed fox 

Kunlan Mountain: a mythical mountain, and the dwelling of various divinities and creatures. In this story this is only the home of fox spirits, but in mythology is the home of many different types.

Huxian 胡仙: the fox deity portrayed as a nine tailed fox. This is the main character's namesake.

Daji 妲己: the favorite consort of King Zhou of Shang, who is portrayed as a malevolent fox spirit in legends. She was written as a beautiful woman that seduced the king, and was executed by his own hand in mythology. This is the Daji of the story's namesake.

Duke of Zhou: though not a god as his character is in the story, legends say that the Duke of Zhou would send messages through dreams to people. This is where the expression "Dreaming of Zhou Gong" has come from.

Erlang Shen 二郎神: the Chinese warrior god portrayed as having a truth seeing eye on his forehead. Erlang is said to be the nephew of the Jade Emperor with the job of limiting the other gods' mortal urges like lust and greed. In mythology, he imprisoned his sister for falling in love with a mortal and sent his armies to kill her family. He is said to be extremely filial, valuing justice and family over all else. This is the secondary main character's basis and namesake.

Xiao Tian 嘯天犬: Erlang Shen's faithful companion. His name literally means 'Howling Celestial Dog.' In mythology, it is said Erlang never went into battle without his hound at his side. The dog is mentioned in Journey to the West, and was able to help the god subdue evil spirits.

Xiangliu 相栁: a poisonous nine headed snake monster said to devastate everywhere he touched. Where he breathed, legend states the land would become boggy with pungent water. Mythology also states Xiangliu was the cause of many floods, most notably the Great Flood of China. 

Bashe 巴蛇: a giant, python-like snake said to be able to eat elephants in legends.

Baosheng Dadi 保生大帝: the god of medicine, originally born in the Fujian province of China and later deified during the Ming Dynasty. He was credited with performing miracles like as removing an object from a tiger's throat.