Have you ever wondered why Greek mythology often features stories of patricide, while Chinese mythology
emphasizes filicide? This stark contrast isn’t random—it reflects the deep influence of geography and society
on cultural narratives.
Let’s begin with Greek mythology. A well-known example is the story of Oedipus. Warned by an oracle that
his son would kill him, a king abandoned his newborn in the mountains. Oedipus survived, grew up unaware
of his origins, and later, in a twist of fate, killed his father and married his mother, fulfilling the prophecy.
Another famous tale involves Uranus and Cronus. Uranus, fearing his children, imprisoned them—only for
his son Cronus to overthrow him. But Cronus also feared his children and devoured them, until Zeus, saved
by his mother, ultimately overthrew him.
These tales of rebellion against fathers weren’t just entertainment—they reflected Greek society at the time.
Freud, in Civilization and Its Discontents, argued that Western democratic systems arose from sons rebelling
against patriarchal authority, transitioning from despotism to equality. In ancient Greece, kinship ties
weakened as societies shifted toward egalitarian city-states. Seafaring, driven by Greece’s open geography,
further disrupted traditional family hierarchies, fostering values of youth, independence, and equality. This
spirit of challenging authority, seen in myths of patricide, became central to Greek and Western progress.
Now, let’s turn to Chinese mythology. Here, the theme is often filicide. Take the story of Shun, whose father,
jealous of his talents, repeatedly tried to kill him. Yet Shun endured the abuse without resistance. Even when
his father tried to bury him alive, Shun escaped, showing unyielding filial piety. He was later celebrated as a
sage and a leader. Another extreme example is Guo Ju, who, during a famine, decided to bury his son alive to
save food for his mother. These stories, though shocking to modern audiences, were upheld as moral lessons
in China, illustrating the ultimate importance of filial piety.
So why this difference? Geography plays a key role. China’s semi-enclosed, fertile environment supported
agriculture and permanent settlement. Early Chinese societies depended on stable agrarian cycles, making
the wisdom of elders indispensable. Age and seniority became symbols of stability and morality, shaping a
society centered on the authority of the elderly. This worldview was reflected in Chinese myths, where filial
piety was celebrated as a core value.
Greece’s geography, on the other hand, was the opposite. Its open coastline and rocky terrain made
large-scale farming difficult but encouraged seafaring and trade. The sea became a domain of youth,
adventure, and risk, emphasizing physical vitality. Long voyages also disrupted family structures, promoting
a culture of equality among peers. Fathers in Greek society often acknowledged their sons as equals once they
reached adulthood. This dynamic inspired myths that celebrated rebellion and independence. These cultural
differences extend beyond mythology. In Chinese spiritual beliefs, ancestors actively influence the living,
requiring offerings to maintain harmony. This connection reflects the enduring importance of kinship. In
contrast, Greek and Roman beliefs viewed the soul as fleeting, severing ties with the living after burial or
cremation. Ghost stories were rare, as the dead were considered powerless.
Even temple architecture reflects these values. Chinese ancestral temples, resembling palaces, honored family
lineage and continuity. Meanwhile, civilizations like the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Greeks built grand
temples to worship gods, not ancestors. In Mesopotamia, the rise of commerce weakened kinship ties,
replacing them with shared religious beliefs. But in China, kinship bonds expanded from families to states,
shaping its civilization for millennia.
In summary, the contrasting themes of parricide in Greek myths and filicide in Chinese myths stem from
their unique geographies and societal structures. While Greece valued youth and independence, China
celebrated the wisdom and authority of elders. Geography didn’t just shape these cultures—it shaped their
stories, beliefs, and ultimately, their civilizations.
