When we look back on the long history, there are always some names that stand out because of their special backgrounds and legends. Among these names, three women known as the "Demon Maidens of the Dead Country" are particularly striking – Mei Xi of the Xia Dynasty, Daji of the Shang Dynasty, and Bao Xi of the Western Zhou Dynasty. However, when we delve deeper into these characters and the stories behind them, we will find that they are not simply "witches", but complex characters in the vortex of history.
1. Shang Dynasty: Daji - The Enchantress in the Romance of the Gods
Daji, the woman who was portrayed as a thousand-year-old fox spirit in the Romance of the Gods, is widely known for her enchanting and moving image of the king of the debauchery and deception of the country. However, this is not entirely the case with Daji in history. According to records, she was originally a captive of the King of Su during his expedition against the Yousu tribe, and later became the favorite concubine of the King of Zhou. In order to please her, the king did not hesitate to collect the world's treasures and indulge in lust. As a result, Daji was regarded by later generations as the culprit of the country's demise. However, we should not ignore the fact that in a patriarchal society, Daji is just an excuse for the king's extravagance, and her existence is more like a victim in a power struggle.
Second, the Xia Dynasty: Sister Xi - the favorite concubine of the wine pond meat forest
Meixi, the concubine of the last Tianzi of the Xia Dynasty, her name is closely linked to the fall of the Xia Dynasty. Legend has it that the younger sister indulged in sensuality and indulged in indulgence, and created the luxurious life of the wine pond meat forest with Ji. She loved to hear the sound of cracked silk, so she ordered tribute silk to be paid for her to tear. These actions undoubtedly exacerbated the demise of the Xia Dynasty. However, Meixi's actions are more a reflection of the social atmosphere and mediocrity of the time. Her existence is only a microcosm of the fall of the Xia Dynasty, not the root cause.
3. Zhou Dynasty: Bao Xi - the beauty of the princes of the Beacon Opera
Bao Xi, the favorite concubine of King Youwang of the Western Zhou Dynasty, is famous in history because of the story of the "Beacon Opera Princes". She is a cold and glamorous beauty, and it is said that she never smiles easily. In order to make her laugh, King Youwang did not hesitate to light the beacon to tease the princes. This move eventually led to the demise of the Western Zhou Dynasty. However, Bao Xi's indifference is not intentional on her part, but a reflection of her character and self-protection in dangerous situations. The demise of the Western Zhou Dynasty was more due to the mediocrity of King You's own and the alienation between the princes.
These three women, known as the "Demon Girls of the Dead Country", have left a deep mark on the torrent of history. However, they are not simply "witches", but complex characters in the whirlpool of history. Their fate was closely linked to the political and social atmosphere of the time, and their existence reflected more of the social style and helplessness under the patriarchal politics. Therefore, when evaluating these figures, we should maintain an objective and impartial attitude, and delve into the historical background and complex factors behind them.