Bao Yu | The Classic of Mountains and Seas

37th Illustration of 山海经 (The Classic of Mountains and Seas) - 薄鱼 (Báo Yú)
👁As stated in the chapter 《山海经·东山经》 "The Classic of the Eastern Mountains": Three hundred li southeast is 女烝山 (Nǚzhēng Mountain), there are no plants or trees on its summit. The 石膏水 (Shígāo River) originates from here and flows west into 鬲水 (Gé River). Many Bao Yu live here, whose shape resembles an eel and which have only a single eye. Their sound is similar like human vomiting. Its appearance foretells a severe drought. Bao Yu like to hide in the mud and sand at the bottom of the water, and their appearance suggests a drop in water level or even drying up, thus their appearance has a certain plausibility in predicting drought.
👁In the《山海经广注》"Comprehensive Annotations to the Classic of Mountains and Seas" compiled by 吴任臣 (Wú Rènchén), a renowned scholar of the early Qing Dynasty, he added that "When the Bao Yu appears, there will be a great flood."
In the Tang Dynasty text 《初学记》"Chūxué jì", Volume 30, quotes a lost passage from the Classic of Mountains and Seas stating: "The appearance of the Bao Yu signifies rebellion," thus linking unusual biological phenomena with social unrest.
These multi-layered interpretations reflected the evolution of ancient beliefs in natural disasters.
👁In modern times, according to the folklore from 山海镜花吧, a romantic story has emerged between Bao Yu waiting and a Goddess in the Ge River. However, the Goddess disappeared like a shooting star in the night sky and never appeared again. But Bao Yu was not discouraged, its belief was as firm as a burning flame. It firmly believes that as long as it stays in the Ge River, one day it will be able to reunite with the Goddess.