TED-Ed - What broke the Great Wall of China - Juwen Zhang
The transcript narrates the legend of Meng Jiang, a woman born from a magical gourd shared by two families. She grows up to be a virtuous and joyful young woman. When her husband, Fan Xiliang, is conscripted to work on the emperor's Great Wall, she embarks on a perilous journey to find him, only to discover he has died and is buried under the wall. Her grief causes the wall to crumble, leading to her capture by the emperor. Instead of submitting to his demand to become a concubine, she uses the opportunity to honor her husband with a grand funeral, humiliating the emperor. Ultimately, she chooses death over submission, casting herself into a river, leaving behind a legacy of virtue and defiance.
Key Points:
- Meng Jiang was born from a magical gourd, symbolizing unity and shared responsibility between two families.
- Her husband, Fan Xiliang, was conscripted to build the Great Wall, highlighting the emperor's oppressive rule.
- Meng Jiang's journey to find her husband showcases her bravery and dedication, despite the harsh conditions.
- Her tears, which caused the wall to crumble, symbolize the power of grief and resistance against tyranny.
- Meng Jiang's refusal to become the emperor's concubine and her subsequent death highlight her defiance and commitment to honor.