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Zhiguai Xiaoshuo

Speculative and Fantastic Fiction

Zhiguai xiaoshuo, translated as tales of the miraculous, tales of the strange, or records of anomalies, is a type of Chinese literature that appeared in the Han dynasty and developed further after the dynasty's fall in 220 CE and in the Tang dynasty from 618 CE. Zhiguai xiaoshuo were among the first examples of Chinese fiction, and they deal with the existence of the supernatural, rebirth and reincarnation, gods, ghosts and spirits.

Facts
Place of Origin
China, Han dynasty 1
Notable Example
Soushen ji, edited by Gan Bao 1
Defining Trait
Accounts of the supernatural, ghosts, spirits and anomalies 1
In the Other Atlases
Sources
1. Zhiguai xiaoshuo - Wikipedia
  • Introduction, origin
    appeared in the Han dynasty and developed after the fall of the dynasty in 220 CE and in the Tang dynasty in 618 CE
  • History and examples
    The early 4th century anthology Soushen Ji edited by Gan Bao is the most prominent early source, and contains the earliest versions of a number of Chinese folk legends.
  • Introduction, subject matter
    the existence of the supernatural, rebirth and reincarnation, gods, ghosts, and spirits
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