Myths and Legends Podcast: Episode 401 - "Chinese Zodiac: Rat Race"
Release Date: January 29, 2025
Hosts: Jason Weiser & Carissa Weiser
Produced by: Nextpod
Introduction
In Episode 401 of Myths and Legends, titled "Chinese Zodiac: Rat Race," hosts Jason and Carissa Weiser delve deep into the fascinating origins of the Chinese Zodiac. Released to coincide with the Lunar New Year—a first for the podcast—the episode explores the mythological tale behind how each animal earned its place in the zodiac cycle.
The Lunar New Year and Chinese Zodiac
Jason Weiser opens the episode by explaining the significance of the Lunar New Year:
“[00:00]...The Lunar year tracks the year based on new moons. The Gregorian calendar is based on the solar year, so how the earth moves around the sun real quickly.”
He highlights the cultural complexity of the zodiac system, noting that each year is not only associated with an animal but also an element, rotating on a 60-year cycle. This rich tapestry underscores the depth of Chinese folklore and its influence on timekeeping and cultural practices.
The Jade Emperor's Assembly
The myth begins with the Jade Emperor, a supreme deity in Chinese mythology, convening all gods and animals to address a pressing issue: humans lacked a system to track the passage of years, leading to confusion and despair as lifespans dwindled without measure.
“[03:45] The Jade Emperor said...there was a bit of a problem with this whole passage of time thing.”
In an effort to solve this, the Emperor proposes a race—a contest that would determine the order of the zodiac animals based on which creatures successfully navigate the challenges posed by the race.
The Great Race: Challenges and Strategies
The race was set to begin the next morning, featuring formidable obstacles such as the Great River. This river posed a significant hurdle, as many animals were not natural swimmers. The race was designed to test not just speed but also ingenuity and cooperation among the animals.
Key Participants and Their Strategies:
-
Rat and Cat:
- Formidable friends with contrasting temperaments. The rat, known for his cunning, devises a plan to ride on the Ox’s back to cross the river. However, his ambition leads to betrayal.
- Quote:
“[15:30] Cat said...she wouldn't be part of any zodiac that had a creature like Rat in it.”
-
Ox:
- Strong and dependable, the Ox agrees to help the rat by allowing him to ride on his back. Despite his strength, he finishes second due to the rat’s deceit.
-
Tiger:
- Brave and competitive, the Tiger struggles initially but regains speed to secure third place.
-
Rabbit:
- Resourceful and quick-witted, the Rabbit narrowly misses the top three, finishing fourth through strategic maneuvering.
-
Dragon:
- Majestic and benevolent, the Dragon chooses to aid humans in need rather than win the race, thus finishing fifth.
-
Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig:
- Each animal employs unique strategies, from the Snake's cunning ride on a horse to the Dog's distractions, ultimately determining their places in the zodiac.
Betrayal and Friendship: Rat and Cat’s Rift
The race concludes with the rat’s betrayal of the Ox and his friend, the Cat. As they approach the finish line, the rat manipulates the Ox into slowing down, allowing himself to leap ahead and secure the first position.
“[27:10] Rat laughed...he's quick witted, resourceful and versatile. And he was first.”
This act of deceit strains the friendship between the rat and the cat, leading to a lasting enmity where their descendants are fated to be at odds.
The Swan Incident and Divine Wrath
Post-race, the narrative introduces an additional mythological element involving a sacred swan sent by the Jade Emperor to Earth. Tragically, humans, unable to differentiate between divine creatures and common animals, kill the swan, triggering the Jade Emperor’s wrath.
“[39:50] Jade Emperor said...you don't do that, apparently.”
In response, the Emperor orders divine warriors to torch the world, resulting in widespread destruction. This catastrophic event explains certain Lunar New Year traditions, such as fireworks and lanterns, symbolizing both celebration and remembrance of divine retribution.
Conclusion
Jason and Carissa Weiser wrap up the episode by reflecting on the intricate storytelling of Chinese mythology and its enduring cultural impact. They tease the next episode, promising a Japanese love story intertwined with tragedy and folklore, ensuring listeners are eager for more mythological explorations.
“[50:00] It's a fun story, and I don't think I'll ever forget the order of the Chinese zodiac now. Anyway, happy New Year to everyone who celebrates...”
Notable Quotes
- Jason Weiser [00:00]: “If you see that beautiful swan, maybe leave it alone unless you want to be responsible for burning down the world.”
- Cat [15:30]: “She wouldn't be part of any zodiac that had a creature like Rat in it.”
- Rat [27:10]: “I was sorry. He really wanted to win.”
- Jade Emperor [39:50]: “You don’t do that, apparently.”
Final Thoughts
Episode 401 of Myths and Legends masterfully recounts the rich lore of the Chinese Zodiac, blending narrative storytelling with cultural insights. By highlighting themes of friendship, betrayal, and divine justice, Jason and Carissa offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of how these ancient myths continue to influence modern celebrations and beliefs.
For those intrigued by the intricate stories of myths and legends that shape our world, subscribing to Myths and Legends promises a journey through time and culture, one fascinating tale at a time.