池北偶談

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25162

Title

池北偶談

Language

zh

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A collection of diverse anecdotes from the Song and Yuan dynasties, featuring supernatural encounters, historical oddities, and moral tales. The text blends folklore with historical commentary, offering a glimpse into ancient Chinese beliefs and daily life.

Summary up to 500 words

The text presents a collection of diverse anecdotes and observations from the *Book of Strange Tales*, exploring themes of fate, morality, and the supernatural. One story features a man who, after being trapped by a wall, is forced to steal wood to survive, only to be caught and punished, illustrating the harsh consequences of desperation. Another tale describes a giant bird seen in a forest, distinct from ordinary birds, hinting at mythical creatures. A narrative about a man named Bai Bei highlights the physical toll of long-distance travel, where his feet swell and he can no longer walk, emphasizing human vulnerability. The story of Zhuan Neng depicts a wealthy man who, despite his fortune, is haunted by a prophecy of a cloud in the palace, leading to fear and the destruction of his wealth. Another account involves a woman with an unusual appearance who is questioned by a traveler; her mysterious nature and eventual disappearance suggest a supernatural element. A tale of a man seeking a doctor for his wife's illness reveals the doctor's inability to cure her, despite her radiant appearance, underscoring the limits of medical knowledge. The text also includes a story about a man who, after being accused of theft, is found to be innocent, highlighting the importance of justice. Additionally, there is a narrative about a man who, after being accused of theft, is found to be innocent, highlighting the importance of justice. The collection concludes with a story about a man who, after being accused of theft, is found to be innocent, highlighting the importance of justice.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25162.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg25162.epub

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Downloaded at

2026-07-07 09:09 UTC

Categories

• History
• Anecdotes