先秦两汉神话系统中的蓐收：形象演变与流变辨误

Rushou in the Mythological System of the Pre-Qin and Han Periods: Image Evolution and Critical Examination of Misconceptions

摘要: 文章以蓐收为研究对象，主要分为两部分。第一部分阐述蓐收源于《山海经》中的四方神系统，与句芒、祝融、禺彊并称四方之神。后蓐收由四方神演变为五行神之一，这与当时阴阳五行学说的盛行有极大关联。蓐收同时还具有秋神和刑神的双重意涵。第二部分围绕蓐收与蚩尤、西王母是否为同一事的问题展开讨论，认为蓐收与蚩尤并非“一事而二名”，与西王母虽可能存在相似之处，但若说两者为同一人仍有待考证。与黄帝、唐尧、虞舜等拥有独立历史传说的古帝不同，蓐收更多作为神话系统的一个组成要素，稳定在“五祀”系统中得以延续。对其形象演变的研究，亦折射出中国古代神话系统中人物形象混同的普遍性与特殊性。

Abstract: This article takes Rushou as its research subject and is divided into two main parts. The first part elaborates that Rushou originates from the system of the four-directional deities in the Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shanhaijing), where he is named alongside Goumang, Zhurong, and Yujiang as the gods of the four quarters. Rushou later evolved from a deity of the four directions into one of the deities of the Five Phases (wuxing), a transformation closely related to the prevalence of the Yin-Yang and Five Phases theory at the time. He concurrently assumed the dual connotations of the autumn deity and the deity of punishment. The second part discusses the question of whether Rushou is identical to Chiyou or Xi Wangmu, concluding that Rushou and Chiyou are not “one entity with two names”, and that while Rushou may share some similarities with Xi Wangmu, the claim that they are the same figure still requires further verification. Unlike such ancient emperors as Huangdi, Tang Yao, and Yu Shun, who possess independent historical traditions, Rushou functions more as a constituent element within the mythological system and was stably preserved in the “Five Sacrifices” (wusi) system. The study of his image evolution also reflects the universality and particularity of character conflation in ancient Chinese mythological systems.