Gong-gong is a character in ancient Chinese legends and is known to be the God of floods. According to the legends, Gong-gong had red hair, a human face and a snake’s body. He was thought to have a black dragon as his ride and he was thought to be a descendant of the Yan (Flame) Emperor. It was said that Gong-gong was ambitious, cruel and vicious though stupid at the same time.

GONG-GONG AND BUZHOU MOUNTAIN

The most famous legend concerning Gong-gong is the story of Buzhou Mountain. At a certain time in ancient China, the throne of heaven was passed on to Zhuanxu, who did not care about the mortals and also treated his fellow Gods badly. As a result, Gong-gong, along with some other Gods, formed a rebellion party in attempt to usurp the throne. A long and heated war began and Gong-gong’s party began losing more and more warriors. At the end, Gong-gong was forced to the northwest end of the world, next to Buzhou Mountain by the opposite party. There was nothing else that Gong-gong could do except to accept his failure.

Angry that he has lost his claim to the throne in heaven, Gong-gong smashed his head against Buzhou Mountain in his rage. Buzhou Mountain was thought to be the pillar supporting the sky in the northwest direction and with the smash, the pillar was damaged and could not support the sky any more. As a result, the sky, together with the sun, the stars and the moon all started to tilt towards the northwest while the land started to tilt towards the southeast. Everything started to fall towards the sea, there was a great flood and people on land suffered greatly. The Goddess Nuwa took pity on the people and tried to mend the sky. Though she was unable to do it completely, the situation did get better, allowing people to continue to live on land. It was thought for this reason rivers in China flow towards the southeast, while the sun, the stars and the moon moves towards the northwest.

THE REAL GONG-GONG?

However, on the other hand, there are some versions of the legend saying that instead of being a tyrant, Gong-gong was actually a good person and leader living in ancient China. It was said that he made major contributions in tending floods and water problems. Apparently, it was he who suggested filling the lowland areas up and building dams on those areas. Apart from tending floods, Gong-gong was also known to make major contributions to farming in China and it was said that he is the second most important figure in ancient Chinese farming, right after Shennong. The legend of Gong-gong and Buzhou mountain was apparently based on the story of his losing a fight against another leader of his time.