Illustration by Song Nan Zhang, from Lady White Snake
The old tales of China tell us that all things may grow and change. A stone may become a plant. A plant may become an animal. An animal may become a human. A human may become a god.Just so, a snake may become a woman. And we are told of one who did.
Who can say for sure how it began? Yet after centuries of ceaseless effort—meditating, disciplining herself, mastering the energies of the universe—this white snake took human form. Immortal now and with great powers, she longed for one thing more.
Human love.
—From Lady White Snake, retold by Aaron Shepard
LinksLady White Snake
About the Picture Book by Aaron Shepard and Song Nan Zhang
“Lady White Snake: A Tale From Chinese Opera”
Retelling by Aaron Shepard
About the Story
Notes by Aaron Shepard
About Chinese Opera
Notes by Aaron Shepard
Legend of the White Snake
Wikipedia Article
Poster: Lady White, and Blue
Art by Song Nan Zhang (PDF)
Poster: The Battle
Art by Song Nan Zhang (PDF)
A Lady White Snake Bookshelf
Resource List by Aaron Shepard
Films About Lady White Snake
Survey Article by Paghat the Ratgirl
Madame White Snake
About the Western Opera
Beijing opera artist Yang Yang as Lady White Snake
Posted by permission of the artist
Web site powered by Aaron Shepard