As one of the four folk love legends in China, the legend of White Snake has always been an existence that cannot be ignored. It inherited the literary tradition of folk brewing in China and developed for thousands of years. Nowadays, it is still talked about by people, especially in film and television, which is undoubtedly a hot topic. Various classic adaptations emerge one after another, including the upcoming animated film White Snake: The Origin. Many people must have doubts about this, that is, there are many legends about white snakes. So what is the earliest version of The Legend of the White Snake, and how was the white snake created step by step? Today, I will try to find the answer with you.
In the long river of history, the legend about snakes goes back to ancient times. Nvwa 、 Fuxi, a well-known mythical figure, is a snake head, which is recorded in Shan Hai Jing. However, it still has to be traced back to the Tang Dynasty before we can talk about the transformation of the white snake. Li Huang and Li Rong, who operate in The Legend of the White Snake, are representatives, and the protagonists of these two stories are rich boys.
Jian Yizhi in the Southern Song Dynasty is one of the few records that violate human nature. There is a plot in which snakes exist, but the ending is still the hero's fear and death. There are many similar legends after that. The image of the white snake is very different from today, and it is basically an ugly monster. They are more like saying that women are feudal disaster tools. Later, it was not until the story of the Three Pagodas of the West Lake came out in the Song Dynasty that we saw the embryonic form of the legend of the White Snake. It tells the story of three goblins who hurt people and were subdued by Taoist priests. So far, there are two plots. One is that the white snake becomes White Queen and falls in love with someone. The other is that the white snake is suppressed at the bottom of the tower. Therefore, this story is considered to be the true story of the legend of the White Snake. But unfortunately, it has no vivid characters, and it is full of preaching rather than talking about structure. The transformation is inevitable. The story has undergone three changes before and after it was finalized.
First of all, Feng Menglong's novel named "White Snake Leifeng Pagoda in Yongzheng Town" in Ming Dynasty was included in "Warning Story". This is the first complete presentation, which is basically the same as today's story frame. Images of White Snake, Xu Xian, Fahai and Xiaoqing can already be found. Not only that, Feng Menglong also beautified the white snake, no longer a masked demon, but shaped her into a kind woman with beauty and Angie Chiu. At that time, most of the works were adapted from this novel, which attracted the attention of many dramatists. They moved the story to the theater and boldly positioned the white snake as the first protagonist.
The second transformation took place in the Qing Dynasty, and the playwright Fang Chengpei adapted it on the basis of predecessors, expanded it into the legend of Leifeng Tower with three or four folds, and added classic titles such as sacrificial tower and broken bridge. The theme of this adaptation has been sublimated, from the warning in Feng's Legend of the White Snake to the praise of free love, in which the white snake is also very rebellious. In pursuit of love, he deliberately walked in the rain, met Xu Xian, and waged an indomitable struggle with Fahai. Xu Xian's role is also richer, kindhearted, selfish and cowardly. His dual personality makes him destroy the white snake and adds tragic color to the story.
Xiaoqing, who is loved by everyone, has also changed from "herring" to "green snake", and her chivalrous spirit and smart personality have become the highlight of the whole legend. It broke the inherent routine of "gifted scholars and beautiful women" in classical opera, but unfortunately, Fang Chengpei idealized the ending and weakened the power of tragedy. However, this drama is still a masterpiece in the history of China traditional opera. At that time, many theatrical troupes rushed to rehearse, which made Leifeng Tower quickly become an enduring play on the stage.
But in modern times, the content of the old version was a little behind, and an innovation took place immediately. Its creator is none other than Tian Han, the lyricist of the national anthem. His Legend of the White Snake is presented according to the structure of modern stage play, with concise plot and more colloquial lines. It was in this play that the name White Snake first appeared. In addition, the biggest difference from the previous version is that Xu Xian is an accomplice to help suppress the white snake, but Tian Han's works have become sentimental and righteous, and people have a good impression on him. After these three changes, the white snake has really become a household name, and the legend of the white snake has become an eternal theme. Almost all kinds of operas have arranged this drama, and the four famous corners of Beijing opera have played the White Snake. After that, there was a comprehensive version of the legend of the new White Snake, which was never tired of being seen by the audience, and was popular all over China for a while. Later, Tsui Hark's "Green Snake" also created subversion, focusing on lust and being very Buddhist.
Overseas, the legend of the white snake is also highly sought after. In Japan, 1958 released an animated film of the same name, which is the first colorful and long animated film in the island country and is of great significance. However, our country rarely touches on such subjects. The White Snake: The Origin, which will be released on February 2 1 65438, is a good attempt. The famous Hollywood Warner Company will join hands with China's team to create a beautiful prequel to this love story. The character "Past Lives" has been reinterpreted, and the eternal topic-people are still being discussed.
At this point, I believe everyone has a deep understanding of the legend of the white snake. These folklores have always been the treasures of our culture. I believe that more creators will interpret these classic stories in more diverse forms.