The Master of Demon Gorge: A Chinese History Podcast

In the years immediately before and after 1,000 A.D., three generations of the Yang family, men and women, defended the northern borders of Song Dynasty China. Their (surprisingly feminist) legends have grown deeply ingrained in Chinese culture. And one story resonates particularly deeply among people of Taiwan of a particular generation and background.Support the show

The Three Kingdoms era following the collapse of the Han Dynasty was a pivotal period in Chinese history. Many Chinese traditions date to this time. And the many heroes that rose up like a rushing spring in this age of chaos are still revered. Indeed, names like Zhuge Liang and Guan Yu are still household names in East Asia just as names like Odysseus and Achilles are still known across Western culture. In this episode, I discuss why the parallels between the Three Kingdoms (and the 14th century novel that narrates that history) and Homer's Iliad are more than a coincidence.Support the show

In the 4th century B.C., a reclusive master of all trades and his four students shaped China's destiny.Support the show