“二郎”地名文化研究

The Cultural Study of “Erlang” Place Names

摘要: 本文以“二郎”地名为研究对象，探讨其背后蕴含的文化内涵与社会功能。首先梳理了二郎形象的多元来源，指出李二郎因与巴蜀地区治水历史的紧密关联而最具历史依据。随后追溯李二郎从历史人物逐渐演化为民间神祇的过程，继而对全国范围内的“二郎”地名进行分类，归纳为信仰依附型、功能寄托型与地形附会型三种命名类型，并通过具体案例分析其形成机制与文化含义。最后，文章指出，“二郎”地名在构建“人–神–地”互动关系中具有重要作用，既体现了民众对自然与社会的认知方式，也强化了地方社会的文化凝聚力与道德秩序，是中国民间信仰在地理空间中的生动体现。

Abstract: This paper takes “Erlang” place names as its research subject, exploring the cultural connotations and social functions embedded within them. It begins by examining the diverse origins of the Erlang figure, arguing that Li Erlang possesses the strongest historical basis due to his close connection to the water management history of the Ba-Shu region. The study then traces the evolution of Li Erlang from a historical figure into a popular deity, subsequently classifying Erlang-related place names across China into three categories: belief-attachment, function-projection, and terrain-association. Through specific case studies, it analyzes their formation mechanisms and cultural significances. Finally, the paper concludes that “Erlang” place names play a significant role in constructing the “human-deity-land” relationship. They reflect popular perceptions of nature and society while reinforcing local cultural cohesion and moral order, serving as a vivid manifestation of Chinese folk beliefs within geographical space.