Tao, Qian 372?-427 creator text utu 2005 monographic zh 1 online resource : multiple file formats "搜神後記" by Qian Tao is a collection of philosophical tales and folklore written during the early 5th century. The work captures a myriad of supernatural events, legends, and whimsical encounters between humans and fantastical beings, reflecting the rich tapestry of ancient Chinese mythology and Daoist thought. The stories intertwine elements of the celestial, the ethereal, and the ordinary, likely set against the backdrop of ancient China. At the start of the collection, the narratives introduce various characters, primarily those who encounter extraordinary phenomena or beings that challenge their perceptions of reality. For example, there is Ding Lingwei, a character who interacts with a crane that speaks riddles about mortality and transcendence. Other tales feature mysterious caves and encounters with beautiful maidens that captivate men, suggesting themes of love, loss, and the enigmatic nature of fate. The opening establishes a tone that melds intrigue with a contemplative exploration of existence, setting the stage for the rich storytelling that unfolds throughout the rest of the work. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Release date is 2005-01-01 Produced by Ni-Yen Wu Original publication data not identified Ghost stories, Chinese PL Original publication data not identified https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7266 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7266 UtSlPG 260607 20260610133205.0 7266