The Formosan 'Shooting the Sun' Myths

This book offers a comprehensive corpus and analysis of all the Formosan ‘Shooting the Sun’ myths. The 'Shooting the Sun' myths describe a series of historical events in mythology that is preceded by the origins of man myths and followed by the deluge myths. These diverse mythologemes are an integral part of the national culture in Taiwan, particularly among the Austronesian tribes. The myths continue to be the subjects of contemporary art exhibits, literary works, public works, performances, and political protests, and remain essential tribal icons upon which various ritualistic practices are founded. Ninety 'Shooting the Sun' myths from over forty different sources published between 1903 and 2024 covering all of Taiwan's tribes are anthologized and explored in this book.

Valdis Gauss is a mythologist and an Assistant Professor at National Taitung University, Taiwan.

Chapter 1 Suns.- Chapter 2 Quest for Context.- Chapter 3 Anthology of Shooting the Suns.- Chapter 4 Salient Sun-Shooting Motifs.- Chapter 5 Interpretations.- Chapter 6 Conclusions.