This is a little section for learning about, or discorvering altogether, what donghua is! Below are my tumblr posts, where they gather either useful informations for absolute beginners, or complete essays conveying a more in-dept look into these works.
A quick intro on what donghua is.
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Below is a comprehensive post about the tropes most frequently portrayed, and their cultural origins.
Chinese culture's profound influence on donghua stems from millennia-old traditions that continue shaping modern storytelling.
For example, the concept of "defying Heaven" stems from ancient beliefs where Heaven represented an impersonal cosmic order governing rulers and the very fate. Historically, only emperors could communicate with Heaven, while commoners focused on family duties and ancestral worship, and this hierarchy explains why donghua protagonists often challenge divine will - their rebellion mirrors actual historical tensions between individual ambition and cosmic destiny. Plus, ancestor veneration is another crucial theme itself, with spirits actively influencing the living through blessings or curses, and thus shaping the protagonists' growth.
As for Confucian values, filial piety takes a paramount role, with respect for elders permeating the characters' relationships and thus creating very structured social dynamics, sometimes with more obstacles than what characters wished for. On this line, the teacher-student bond carries sacred weight, reflecting the Confucian ideal of lifelong respect for mentors, which while being something praiseworthy, unfortunately not always ends well.
The more spiritual cultivation side of donghua relies heavily on both Taoist principles of balance and Buddhist concepts of enlightenment, which subtly complement what was mentioned so far. These cultural foundations transform these fantasies into much deeper narratives about breaking away from fate and duty while still honoring a legacy. A never-ending dicotomy whose appeal lies in this rich interplay between rebellion and tradition.
Ultimately, donghua stands out for its cultural complexity and spiritual substance, even if toned down for entertainment's sake.
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