Departed Spirits of the Vi�t Realm
"...spirits believed to be both powerful and benevolent. This
mode of religious practice is based on the idea that only such spirits can provide protection
from the host of demons and malevolent spirits that plague human life. An assembly of
good sprits, such as is displayed in this text, was imagined to produce a supernatural shield
against disaster for the region..."
�
Responding-to-Heaven, Transforming and Sustaining Force,
Greatly Loyal, God of the Earth, Earth Deity Female Immortal
The emperor was in great fear. In his distress, the emperor suddenly saw a woman of around twenty years of age. Her appearance was like that of a peach blossom. Her brows were like willows, and her eyes like bright stars. Her smile was like a flower bud. On her body she wore a white robe and green trousers. She had fastened a belt over her light clothing. She came straight to the sovereign and explained, �I am the great earth spirit of the southern country. I have long been reborn to live in a place of water and clouds, watching and waiting for a time at which to appear. Due to this opportune meeting and with the good reason of having fortune to come upon the royal countenance, my entire life�s desire has truly been satisfied. Yet I still wish that Your Majesty on this trip proceeds promptly and skillfully, achieving complete victory. Although I am only sedge and willow and of light carriage, I hope to contribute my trifling strength, secretly giving support. On the day of your triumphant return, I will be waiting here to pay my respects.� She finished speaking and vanished.
The sovereign awoke with both fear and joy.
Brian E. Ostrowski and Brian A. Zottoli
SEAP Cornell 1999
