P'an-ku and the Yin & Yang

P'an-ku. In Chinese mythology, primeval being, creator of mankind.

In some texts P'an-ku emerged from the cosmic hen's egg, which was all that existed before heaven and earth were created. The contents of the egg then divided, producing the Yin and Yang. The heavy elements descended, bringing forth the earth, while the lighter elements produced the sky. For 18,000 years P'an-ku grew at the rate of ten feet a day between heaven and earth, filling the space between the two. When he died, his body became the natural elements making up the earth. In a variant myth P'an-ku made the world, plants, and animals while he was alive. Realizing that there were no people, he made figures out of clay. When they were dry, they were to be impregnated with the vital forces of Yin and Yang. Before full life came to them, however, a storm arose and P'an-ku brought into his house all of the figurines that were out baking in the sun. Some of them were damaged, and that is why some people are born lame or sick.

In Chinese art P'an-ku, though a giant, is portrayed as a dwarf, dressed either in a bearskin or in leaves. Sometimes he holds the symbol for Yin and Yang.

Variant spelling: Phan-ku.

from Facts on File Encyclopedia of World Myth