Influence of Confucianism on the transformation of the hero image in Chinese culture

The image of the hero is formed in Chinese culture within the framework of early mythology. Confucianism changes it in the context of the doctrine of the ideal person. Confucianism has played a key role in cultivating the character and spirit of the Chinese nation, forming the image of the hero. Taking the image of Chinese heroes under the influence of Confucian culture as the object of study, this article analyses the main characteristics of the Confucian ideal of personality. Based on the spiritual connotation of Confucian culture and the characteristics of the hero image under its influence, it is argued that after the emergence of Confucian culture, the hero image has acquired the standard of ideal personality, which serves as a target behavioural model for people. The article examines the demythologisation of the hero image, the emergence of new features of the heroic and the concept of the golden mean under the influence of Confucianism using comparative, descriptive, semiotic and cultural analyses. This paper draws the following conclusions: firstly, the hero image under the influence of Confucian culture is formed on the basis of three virtues – “ren”, “zhi” and “yong”, these three virtues create the theoretical basis of the hero image and the choice of historical and literary representations of the hero. Second, the hero image under the influence of Confucian culture is characterised by four traits: the harmonious unity of “ren”, “zhi” and “yong”, unwavering aspiration, knowledge and talent, respect and adherence to Confucian social norms. Finally, since the emergence of Confucian culture, the image of the hero has lost its original mythological colours and shifted towards secularisation, which is more acceptable to people; Confucianism's idea of the golden mean makes the image of the hero more rational and capable of making the right decisions.

Hero image, Confucian culture, demythologisation, ren, zhi, yong, golden mean, ideal personality, transformation, mythology