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Wu Gang (simplified Chinese: 吴刚; traditional Chinese: 吳剛; pinyin: Wú Gāng), formerly romanized as Wu Kang[1] and also known as Wu Zhi in some sources,[2] is a figure in traditional Chinese folklore[3] and religion. He is known for endlessly cutting down a self-healing osmanthus tree on the Moon,[a] a divine punishment which has led to his description as the Chinese Sisyphus.[2][5] In modern Chinese, the chengyu "Wu Gang chopping the tree" (吳剛伐桂; wúgāng-fáguì) is used to describe any endless toil. The specific reason for his situation has varied in the sources,[3] but Wu Gang's story dates back to at least the Tang dynasty.
- ^ "Wu Kang". S.K.H. Kei Oi Primary School. Retrieved 2009-08-06.
- ^ a b c Eberhard, Wolfram. Dictionary of Chinese Symbols: Hidden Symbols in Chinese Life and Thought, pp. 76 ff. Routledge & Kegan Paul (London), 2013. Accessed 12 November 2013.
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
spacewas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ The Fiji Times Online. "The Legend of Wu Gang". 19 September 2013. Accessed 12 October 2013.
- ^ a b c Brendon, Juliet & al. The Moon Year: A Record of Chinese Customs and Festivals, p. 410. Kelly & Walsh, 1927. Reprinted Routledge (Abingdon), 2011. Accessed 13 November 2013.
- ^ Zdic. "蟾宫折桂". 2013. Accessed 13 November 2013. (in Chinese)
- ^ 杜近芳 [Du Jinfang]. 《红楼梦汉英习语词典》 ["A Dictionary of Chinese Idioms in the Dream of the Red Chamber"]. 2003. Accessed 13 November 2013. & (in Chinese)
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