Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms

Figures, Volume 14

Page Seven

The inhabitants of the Kingdom of Tall Peopleoriginal: "長人國" (Chángrénguó). In Chinese mythology, these giants are often associated with the distant eastern or northern wilderness. They represent one of the many "stature-based" foreign kingdoms recorded in early encyclopedias. reach a height of three to four zhangA traditional Chinese unit of measurement. Three to four zhang is roughly equivalent to 30 to 40 feet (approx. 9 to 12 meters)..

In the past, people from Mingzhouoriginal: "明州". A historic prefecture encompassing modern-day Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. As a major maritime hub, Mingzhou was the source of many seafaring legends during the Ming Dynasty. were sailing the open seas when they encountered a great wind. They lost all sense of their position, not knowing where their boat was being driven. When the weather finally calmed, they found themselves at the base of an island and went ashore to gather firewood.

Suddenly, a giant appeared, running with such speed that he seemed to be flying. The people from Mingzhou fled in haste back to their boat. The giant pursued them, but the sailors used crossbowsoriginal: "弩" (nǔ). A mechanical weapon that provided the sailors with enough range and power to deter a creature of such immense size. to shoot at him, and he eventually retreated.